Stevens Pleads Not Guilty

Wife could also take stand in senator's corruption trial

(NEWSER) - Sen. Ted Stevens appears likely to testify tomorrow as part of his defense against corruption charges, Reuters reports. The Alaska Republican, charged with failing to disclose $250,000 gifts from oil firms, told a Washington court today he understood he was not legally required to testify. Stevens’ wife, Catherine, may also take the stand, as the senator says she handled payments related to renovations of their Alaska home. More»

(AP) - Two close friends of Sen. Ted Stevens schemed to conceal the fact that one was paying for extensive work done at the senator's cabin in Alaska, according to FBI audiotapes played today at Stevens' corruption trial. The pair, Bill Allen and Bob Persons, are heard on tape fretting in February 2006 over a plumbing bill marked, "Labor paid for by Bill." They agreed to "make that disappear" and get a check from Stevens to pay for the work—one that would never be cashed. More»

Indicted Republican senator 'disgraced himself and his office'

(NEWSER) - Newly indicted Ted Stevens should resign as soon as possible, write the editors of the National Review. The Alaskan senator, who is accused of seven counts of making false statements, legally “deserves the benefit of the doubt—but not from an ethical standpoint,” they note. “The facts that have emerged over the course of the federal investigation into his personal finances are damning enough on their own.” More»

Convicted senator may seek clemency from Bush

(NEWSER) - Even as Ted Stevens appeals of his seven-count felony conviction, the disgraced senator isn't ruling outthe possibility of seeking a pardon from President Bush, the Anchorage Daily News reports. "If I were counsel to him, I would encourage him," says Alaska's former US attorney, a Stevens supporter. "I strongly believe President Bush should pardon Senator Stevens." More»

Alaska Republican closes 'privileged' 40-year tenure

(NEWSER) - Ted Stevens said goodbye to colleagues in the US Senate today, ending a 40-year career after losing his Alaska re-election bid and being convicted on corruption charges, the Anchorage Daily News reports. “I really must pinch myself to fully understand that I’m privileged to speak on the floor of the United States Senate,” Stevens said, surrounded by family, friends, and staff. More»