PSoftheD

Proclaiming his innocence, convicted Republican Sen. Ted Stevens asked Alaskans to "stand with me" as he pledged to defend the Senate seat he has held since 1968.

"I ask that Alaskans and my Senate colleagues stand with me as I pursue my rights," Stevens, the longest serving Republican in the Senate, said in a statement Monday. " I remain a candidate for the United States Senate."

A jury on Monday convicted Stevens of seven counts of making false statements on Senate ethics forms to hide hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts and work on his Alaska home from an oilfield contractor at the center of a corruption investigation in the state.

"This verdict is the result of the unconscionable manner in which the Justice Department lawyers conducted this trial," he said

"I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have. I am innocent."

The senator's attorneys twice sought to have the charges thrown out during the monthlong trial, accusing prosecutors of hiding evidence favorable to the defense. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan rejected those efforts but faulted prosecutors for "hiding the ball."

Stevens faces a maximum sentence of up to to 35 years in prison -- five years for each of the seven counts.

Legal experts note the judge has the discretion to give Stevens as little as no jail time and probation when he is sentenced.

The judge scheduled a hearing on any pending motions for February 25.


*** I love how he doesn't have any restrictions on losing his seat, AND he won't be sentenced until WAY after the election and inaguration. so, he could win, go to DC and then serve time in PRISON while still a senator. This is what our country allows...amazing.