Sen. Stevens found guilty of corruption

By Randall Mikkelsen

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska was convicted of corruption on Monday, a verdict that could endanger the Republican's political future and help Democrats expand control of the Senate in the November 4 election.

Stevens, 84, was convicted on all seven counts of lying on Senate disclosure forms by failing to report more than $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts from an oil executive.

Stevens vowed to return to Alaska on Wednesday and resume campaigning. "I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have," he said in a blistering statement issued after the verdict.

"I ask that Alaskans and my Senate colleagues stand with me as I pursue my rights. I remain a candidate for the United States Senate."

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate who casts herself as a reformer, called the verdict a blow against corruption in Alaska.

"The verdict shines a light on the corrupting influence of the big oil-service company that was allowed to control too much of our state. That control was part of the culture of corruption I was elected to fight. And that fight must always move forward regardless of party or seniority or even past service," Palin said in a statement.

Stevens has been one of the Senate's most powerful Republicans, using his authority to steer billions of dollars of federal spending to his home state.

He is known for his proposed "Bridge to Nowhere," which became a symbol of out-of-control "pork barrel" spending. The now-abandoned project would have linked the town of Ketchikan to its island airport at a cost of $398 million.

Stevens, who had testified in his own defense, showed a fixed frown as he silently left the court. "I am innocent," he said in the statement. He accused Justice Department prosecutors of misconduct and acting in an "unconscionable manner."

LONG SENTENCE UNLIKELY

He faces up to five years in prison on each of the seven counts. Under federal sentencing guidelines he would likely receive much less prison time or only probation.

Matthew Friedrich, acting head of the Justice Department's criminal division, said the agency was proud of its prosecutors and that jury's decision showed they had proven their case.

"The investigation continues, as does our commitment to holding elected officials accountable when they violate our laws," he told reporters.

Stevens was indicted as part of a wide-ranging probe into public corruption in Alaska. His fellow Republican, U.S. Rep. Don Young, is also under investigation.

Stevens is the Senate's longest-serving Republican, at 40 years. He was popular in Alaska before the trial but is now in a tight re-election battle with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.