Facing the legal and political fight of his career, Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) wants to be tried in Alaska, not Washington, D.C. Stevens is charged with seven counts of making false statements. Federal prosecutors allege he failed to disclose more than $250,000 in gifts from Veco, a former oil services company whose activities have ensnared other politicians in Alaska. A trial in Alaska could be more favorable to Stevens, who remains popular throughout the state. Alaska Natives make up about 16 percent of the population in the state and about 5 percent of the population in Anchorage, where the trial would be held. Stevens, the former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee , is one of the most powerful members of the Senate. He has used his position to help Alaska Native corporations and to pressure Alaska tribes and villages. Get the Story:
Stevens requests trial be held in Alaska (The Anchorage Daily News 8/5)
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Stevens proclaims innocence at Anchorage rally (The Anchorage Daily News 8/5) Relevant Documents:
DOJ Press Release | Indictment | Press Conference Transcript Related Stories:
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