Sen. Heard Fretting About Probe In Tape

Jury Hears Audio Of Ted Stevens Vowing To "Lay Low" To Beat FBI Corruption Inquiry

(AP)  Sen. Ted Stevens told wealthy businessman Bill Allen they needed to stick together and "really lay low" to beat an FBI investigation into their cozy relationship, according to audiotapes played Monday at the senator's corruption trial.

"Screw them, if they prove we did something wrong," the senator says in one of a series of secretly recorded telephone calls in the fall of 2006. "In my heart, I don't think we did. ... I say, screw it."

Stevens, unaware Allen already was cooperating with investigators, advises him, "We ought to really lay low right now." He also tells him to cut down on drinking, watch his health and await the outcome of the probe into more than $250,000 in renovations on the senator's cabin and other gifts provided by Allen's oil pipeline company, VECO Corp.

"Let's stick this thing out together, OK?" Stevens says.

Accused of lying on Senate finance disclosure forms to conceal the gifts, Stevens repeatedly - and sometimes profanely - asserts his innocence on tape. But he also tells his old friend he's worried about the appearance of wrongdoing and even warns that they might be under surveillance.

"I think they're probably listening to this conversation right now," Stevens says in the recording.

"We might have to pay a fine and spend a little time in jail," he continues. "I hope it doesn't come to that."

In contrast to the defiant-sounding senator, Allen comes across as downtrodden, telling his old friend, "I'm sorry this whole thing is happening," he says.

There are no bribery charges against Stevens - a point that defense attorney Brendan Sullivan sought to drive home on cross-examination.

"You never sought to bribe Sen. Stevens, did you sir?" he asked.

"No," Allen replied.

The jury heard the tapes after U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan ruled that the trial should go despite an ongoing clash between Stevens' attorney and prosecutors over evidence.

The judge ordered the government to file a formal response at the end of the day Monday to repeated defense claims that prosecutors intentionally withheld evidence favorable to their client. In an initial filing late Sunday, prosecutors wrote, "Contrary to all of the theatrics and hyperbole from the defense, no one has attempted to hide evidence or hold back any discoverable item."

Allen testified last week he ignored requests by Stevens to send him bills for work by VECO employees who helped remodel the home, claiming a mutual friend told him the senator made the requests only to cover his tracks. Stevens says he was adamant that he pay all the bills and had no idea Allen was absorbing most costs himself.

Stevens, 84, a patriarch of Alaska politics for generations, has been holed up in the courtroom for more than two weeks while a Democratic opponent mounts a strong challenge back home to the seat the senator has held for 40 years.

[nextgenman]

Stevens, again, tries to act like the consummate Republican and bitterly complain that he''s not responsible for any crimes he commits.

He probably ignored subpoenas too.

[ahrats]

The question is if Steven''s get off will the voters in Alaska keep him in office. If you wonder why there is so much corruption in the present govenment this is a clear example of it. Steven''s did not do anything but break the public trust by getting kick backs and favor''s for a man in his position. I wish some rich guy would help me out but I''m not in a position of power and influence and can not throw some govenment contract their way. If your looking for real change vote the incumbents out because the special intrests groups would now have buy a new set of polititions.

[missingamerica]

If your looking for real change vote the incumbents out because the special intrests groups would now have buy a new set of polititions.

Posted by ahrats at 07:30 AM : Oct 06, 2008

Is there any doubt in your mind that they would just raise prices and so pass the cost of *** us back down to us?

[omnibus66]

Alaska, the wellspring of small town values, and those who practice its virtues.

[teddie56]

Ahhhh, Alaska! When asked if she''d support Stevens, Palin answered, "we''ll see where the trial takes us." Really? You''re running for VP and still are not willing to condemn a crook. The GOP is seriously crooked right now, and Alaska is the worst of the worst. Alaska''s lone congressional rep (D. Young--Repub of course), 1 or 2 Senators (Teddy boy), and governor/VP candidate/you betcha I''ma moose burger eater/caribou Barbie are all under investigation right now. All of them! Seriously, 1/2 of the state''s main government representatives, all Republicans, are being investigated for major crimes. *** is wrong with Alaska?

[wdrussell1]

Sen Stevens is an amazed man. He was told that if you have an R after your name, you are forgiven for every indiscretion as soon as they happen.

[terrapin78]

Sounds like Obstruction of Justice should be added to the list of charges.

[terrapin78]

Me smells a rat, and it is related to a j a c k a s s - - - Democrats.

Posted by dynaride93 at 10:32 AM : Oct 06, 2008


You must be SMELLING YOURSELF!

ALl of you Repug voters are responsible for this. Why do you hate America?

[navyjimfl]

Politican = Crook........some just have not been caught yet.......

[stn_sage]

His words on the tape suggesting to his ex-friend Allen that they stick together to dodge the investigation are---well, pretty d@mning!

This being the case, it would be VERY difficult for the judge---with a straight face---to turn around and declare a mistrial or drop charges even though the prosecutors were jerks with the handling of evidence!

I think he''s got some PROBLEMS, here! Barring a miracle, the result will probably not be what he wants to happen!

[idnnsg]

He''s goin'' down, yubetcha!

[oldguy4truth]

It we be interesting to see how fast Palin will diss-own him now.

[bajajohn1]

The old buzzard is guilty of defiling carrion to fulfull his nasty lust for booze and material wealth. how long was he at it?

[gwjackie]

I think someone is smelling there upper lip.

[gwjackie]

i think Palin was doing the money game as was stevens