Stevens Tries To Impress Alaskans And Jury With Stars Who Have No Connection To His Corruption Charges

Alaska Democratic Party Release | October 10, 2008

After Years Of Refusing To Answer Alaskans’ Questions, Stevens Should Take The Stand And Explain Himself

Anchorage, Alaska – As the defense takes its turn in Senator Ted Stevens’ corruption trial, they are trying to ‘razzle and dazzle’ the jury and Alaskans with an array of stars to testify on his behalf. But when it comes to the seven felony count case against Stevens in relation to accepting illegal gifts, what do these stars really know about Stevens and his Girdwood chalet remodeling? The case against Stevens is straight forward – he knowingly received gifts from VECO, never paid for them, and refused to disclose them. None of the stars taking the stand for Stevens can speak to the Girdwood chalet project or Stevens’ relationship with VECO. After years of refusing to answer Alaskans questions, it’s Stevens that Alaskans want to hear from, not a list of famous names from Washington, DC. It’s time for Stevens to take the stand and explain himself.

“No matter what stars Senator Stevens’ has testify on his behalf, the facts remain the same – Stevens took illegal gifts from VECO, and that is inexcusable,” said Bethany Lesser, spokeswoman for the Alaska Democratic Party. “Alaskans have waited for far too long for answers from Stevens. Alaskans want answers from Stevens, not a star studded list of surrogates. If Stevens’ word is so ‘sterling,’ will we ever hear directly from him?”

While stars take the witness stand for Stevens, Alaskans may wonder what they know of the Girdwood chalet remodeling. Was Senator Daniel Inouye on the phone when Stevens said, “the worst that can happen to us, is that we run up a bunch of legal fees… might pay a fine, may spend a little time in jail.” Was former Secretary of State Colin Powell on the emails where Stevens was intimately involved in decisions as small as fixtures on his free Jacuzzi and as big as asking for a free power generator? Was Senator Orin Hatch privy to conversations between Stevens, former VECO Chief Executive Bill Allen, and close friend Bob Persons? Did any of the stars on Stevens’ witness list ever hear Stevens thank Allen for all of VECO’s hard work on his home? The answers are clear – no. Only Stevens can testify to explain his side.

Check out http://RetireTed.com for the latest updates on Stevens’ corruption trial and the Alaska Senate race.

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