(Ted-AK) Stevens Ready To Take Stand in His Own Defense

Stevens Ready To Take Stand in His Own Defense
By Kathleen Hunter, CQ Staff


Sen. Ted Stevens is poised to take the stand to dispute — in his own words — charges that he knowingly concealed more than $250,000 worth of gifts that should have been disclosed over a period of seven years on financial disclosure forms that all senators must complete annually.

Stevens, an icon in Alaska politics who is the Senate’s longest-serving Republican, has insisted since his July 29 indictment that he is innocent of any wrongdoing. The senator, who allegedly accepted unreported gifts from former VECO Corp. chief executive Bill Allen and others, is the first sitting senator in 27 years to stand trial in federal court.

Prosecutors contend that VECO covered many of the costs associated with a 2000-01 renovation to Stevens’ Girdwood, Alaska home — as well as other home improvements that constitute much of the amount Stevens is accused of concealing.

The 84 year-old lawmaker, who once proclaimed himself to be “a mean, miserable SOB,” is known to have a combative and often gruff personality, but also can be charming and controlled when necessary, abilities that could influence how the jury views his testimony.

U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan has said jurors likely are to begin their deliberations early next week. Stevens wants to clear his name before Election Day, when he faces an uphill battle against Anchorage Major Mark Begich in his bid for a seventh full term.

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