WASHINGTON -- Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican senator and a storied figure in Alaska's political history, was indicted today on seven felony counts of making false statements in a corruption case.
Prosecutors said the 84-year-old Stevens, required to file financial disclosure forms with the Senate on gifts greater than $10,000, had accepted innumerable gifts valued at $250,000 from the oil services company VECO and its CEO from 1999 to 2006 without reporting them. The gifts included material and labor used in the renovation of Stevens' private vacation home in Girdwood section of Anchorage, including a new first floor, a garage, a wraparound deck, plumbing and electrical wiring, as well as a Viking gas grill, furniture and tools.
For the few who don't remember, Ted Stevens is best known for his famous description of the Internet as "(N)ot a big truck. It's a series of tubes." He's also known for his fairly heavy stances in favor of logging and pork barrel projects.
Now, I know in the past I've been quick to judge on matters like this, but I think I can be fair here. He's been indicted, yes, but this doesn't necessarily mean he's guilty. I figure he deserves a fair shake.
