Ted Stevens the governor of Alaska took gifts did not realize they would be the noose around his neck. The federal ethics laws say that all gifts should be reported. His gifts amounting to tens of thousands of dollars were not reported.
The jury of District of Columbia convicted Ted Stevens, 84, of felony as he failed to report the numerous gifts he received in form of services or cash. When he filled up the disclosure forms he failed to mention about $250,000 worth of gifts received for his home in Girdwood Alaska, which he was renovating.
This comes as a blow as it comes before the election time. Ted Stevens is defiant and insists he is not guilty. He says, “I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have,” he said.
“I am innocent. This verdict is the result of the unconscionable manner in which the Justice Department lawyers conducted this trial,” he said. “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.
He appealed to his supporters to elect him for the seventh full term. He has had an eventful political career in which his state has moved from a remote unknown territory to an economic powerhouse.
He represented his state in the senate for 40 years and brought in millions of dollars for his home state. He is confident that he will be reelected and be able to clear his name.
