Sen. Stevens found guilty on corruption chargesAlaska lawmaker was accused of lying about $250,000 in gifts Politics
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WASHINGTON - Sen. Ted Stevens was found guilty on all counts at his corruption trial Monday.
Stevens was charged with lying on Senate financial forms about $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts he received from an oil contractor.
Stevens spent three days on the witness stand, vehemently denying that allegation. He said his wife, Catherine, paid every bill they received.
Stevens faces up to five years in prison on each count, but under federal sentencing guidelines, he would likely receive much less prison time, if any.
Stevens' trial hinged on the testimony of Bill Allen, the senator's longtime drinking and fishing buddy. Allen, the founder of VECO, testified that he never billed his friend for the extensive work on the house and that Stevens knew he was getting a deal.
Stevens is a legendary figure in Alaska, where he has wielded political influence since before statehood. His knack for steering billions of dollars in federal money to his home state has drawn praise from his constituents and consternation from budget hawks.
In a tight election year, the verdict has the potential to alter the nation's political landscape. The Senate's longest-serving Republican is fending off an aggressive Democratic challenger for a seat he's held for generations. And it could push Democrats toward a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
