Stevens: "Sinister" Sen. Or "Simple" Guy?

Prosecutors, Defense Make Closing Arguments In Alaska Lawmaker's Corruption Trial

(AP)  Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is an honorable, trusting man who was taken advantage of by a corrupt friend who provided expensive gifts, not the architect of a "master cover-up by a sinister senator," as portrayed by prosecutors at his corruption trial, his lawyer argued Tuesday.

The Justice Department is trying to twist skimpy evidence to make it seem that Stevens is a "mastermind of a conspiracy," instead of a respected World War II veteran whose Senate work kept him so busy he trusted others to renovate his remote Alaska cabin, famed defense lawyer Brendan Sullivan said.

"We're trying to convict an innocent man in this courtroom on an interpretation of evidence so far from real life it should make you sick," he told jurors.

The 84-year-old Stevens, the Senate's longest-serving Republican senator, is charged with lying on Senate financial disclosure forms about $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts he received from his friend, millionaire Bill Allen, who runs oil services company VECO Corp.

Stevens testified for three days and said he never asked for the rope lighting, furniture, gas grill, fully stocked tool chest or other items that kept appearing at his house.

He said he repeatedly pressed Allen to remove the unwanted items, and asked him frequently for bills for the renovation work that changed the modest A-frame cabin into a two-story home with wraparound decks, new electricity and plumbing, a sauna and a master-bedroom balcony.

"He's a very simple guy," Sullivan said. "He asked for no gifts, and he's got some guy foisting things" on him.

Prosecutors ridiculed Stevens' explanation as "nonsense" in their closing statements.

Prosecutor Joseph Bottini told jurors that Stevens surrounded himself with wealthy, generous friends who could be counted on to give gifts and who could be trusted to keep it quiet.

"Does anybody really believe that the defendant really can't get Bill Allen to stop giving him all this free stuff?" Bottini asked.

Bottini repeatedly questioned Stevens' credibility and remarked that he looked uncomfortable answering questions on the witness stand.

In particular, Bottini seized on an awkward exchange that occurred Monday, when Stevens said an expensive massage chair was a loan, not a gift, from another friend.

"Does anyone really believe he thought that chair was a loan? It's been in his house for seven years," Bottini said. "What were the terms of this loan? Zero percent interest for 84 months? Simply saying, 'We're going to call this a loan and I don't have to report it,' is nonsense."

But Sullivan accused the Justice Department of twisting the case to make an honorable senator appear corrupt. When prosecutors "look at life through a dirty glass," he said, "then the whole world looks dirty."

To believe the government, you'd have to believe in "a master cover-up by a sinister senator," Sullivan said. Instead, Stevens and his wife paid $160,000 for the remodeling, and Sullivan told jurors that more than covered the cost of the project.

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View Justice Deptartment documents in the Ted Stevens corruption trial

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He told jurors to focus on the many letters and e-mails in which Stevens asks to be billed for his home renovations. Stevens says he assumed the bills were sent and that his wife paid them. Prosecutors say Stevens wrote the letters to cover himself.

To believe that, Sullivan told jurors, "You've got to think he's some mastermind of a conspiracy, who writes something so it'll protect himself seven, eight years later."

"That's sick," Sullivan said. "That's sick thoughts. That's not real life."

Sullivan also attacked Allen, the government's star witness, calling him a "bum." He told jurors that Allen - who has pleaded guilty to bribing state legislators - is offering substantial help to prosecutors in hopes of keeping his children from being prosecuted.

"What would a man say on a witness stand to protect his children?" Sullivan said.

Also, Allen is trying to protect his financial interests and maybe reduce his jail time by maybe helping "the government get a senator convicted. That would be substantial." Sullivan said.

Stevens asked for an unusually speedy trial that he hopes will clear his name before Election Day. He is fending off a tough Democratic challenge for a seat he's held for 40 years.

Democrats have invested heavily in the campaign, sensing an opportunity to unseat a legendary Republican figure and perhaps capture a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

The monthlong trial has been a distraction for Stevens during the crucial final weeks of the campaign. His opponent, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, has had the state all to himself while Stevens has been tethered to the Washington courtroom.

"If the trial comes to a conclusion and, as he believes, that he is found innocent, I think that he will win that election up there," Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Tuesday. "If it goes the other way, obviously it really won't matter what happens in the election."

[docpeter1953]

Stevens: "Sinister" Sen. Or "Simple" Guy?
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He is a politician so I''m betting on sinister.

[jackp32]

He is neither. He is a corrupt politician and has been for many years. He belongs in prison.

[bmh1953]

A crook is a crook is a crook.!.!

Jail time is the ONLY acceptable future for him.!.!

[amurguz]

Just like Randy %u201CI won%u2019t besmirch John Wayne by calling him Duke%u201D Cunningham, Senator Stevens has been in office way too long, and this corruption trial proves it; beyond a reasonable doubt. %u201CAbsolute power (which is what Senator Stevens has held in Alaska for the past forty years) corrupts absolutely; and he%u2019s no different then the disgraced Congressman from my own district here in California. Makes me sick to think how many more of these, long term politicians, are using their influence to better themselves, and not the country as a whole. The financial crisis implies that we haven%u2019t even scraped the top of the iceberg; mores the pity.

[grouchyjohn]

Based on the HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS in pork that he "brought home to Alaska", it''s obvious he''s as crooked as they come.

Just another on the take Republican.

Time for him to take "personal responsibility"

[keith.butler]

Hey, Ted Stevens! When this is all over, no matter which way it turns out, will you then pay for the items you say you were never billed for?
Will you return that loaned chair?

If you have trouble loading that pickup truck George gave you with the tool box that Fred gave you so you can return it you just let me know....

I''ll be glad to help

[windmaster12]

GOP CROOK !!!!
What Else Is New!!!

[beader59]

Republican or Democrat, a crook is a crook is a crook. Those who cheat need to be caught, and sent to trial and face whatever consequences. If nothing at all, they should never be allowed to hold office of any kind. And how could he not know what was going on? What a jerk!

[bigbowler5]

Is there any doubt that the guy is a biggest CROOK ever to set foot on the political landscape?
But knowing those corrupt individuals there in Alaska, I wouldn''t doubt a bit that he would be elected even if he is convicted. These brain washed bastttards from Alaska don''t seem to know *** when it comes their way.

[bigbowler5]

Could someone take this crook to Alaska wilderness and have hunters shoot his azz like they to do those innocent animals?

[idnnsg]

"He''s a very simple guy," Sullivan said.

Yes. Simple. In the classic sense. I.e., very very stu.pid. He''s a crook, and he wants us to believe he''s just an innocent victim. That''s proof that he''s a "simple guy"-- too "simple" to be in government. Let''s hope they put him out to pasture, so he can return to the simple life he professes to love.

[martin9p2]

Just a moron who ... who therefore thinks he can get away with crimes :-)

[skeetchamp]

Stevens is an extremely arrogant man with a massive ego who holds a very low opinion of voters and jurors. How else could he, with a straight face, open his mouth and claim that he didn''t notice receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes -- I mean, "gifts".
When jurors get in the jury room to deliberate, and Alaskans get into the voting booth, they need only ask themselves one question: "Would I notice if somebody stuffed a few hundred thousand dollars in my pockets?"

While we''re on the sugbject:

ANCHORAGE, Alaska %u2013 Gov. Sarah Palin charged the state for her children to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports to specify that they were on official business.

The charges included costs for hotel and commercial flights for three daughters to join Palin to watch their father in a snowmobile race, and a trip to New York, where the governor attended a five-hour conference and stayed with 17-year-old Bristol for five days and four nights in a luxury hotel.

In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters'' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.

More Republican/Alaskan foolishness

[john6pack]

Stevens is a crooked politician like most politicians who stayed too much in power unchalanged.
My verdict: quilty of corruption!

[robaldrich]

rickwar says: In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters'''' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.
------------------

Big deal. That the price of electing moms to public office. THERE, I said it. Get a life.

[smurfcrusher]

Guilty as a cat in a goldfish bowl. He was clever enough to take actions that make him seem legit, but given the massive amount of work done - there is NO WAY a person of sound mind could understand this was anything less than a bribe.

I wonder why we haven''t heard how the same "handymen" built Sarah Palin''s $500,000 lakeside home?

Perhaps because she abused her power and derailed the permitting process as mayor, on her own home.

Fortunately there are enough pieces of evidence. She needs to be held to account.

WE CANNOT AFFORD to have a corrupt senator and corrupt governor influencing our future!

[robaldrich]

John6Pack says: Stevens is a crooked politician like most politicians who stayed too much in power unchalanged.
My verdict: quilty of corruption!
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Ahhhhh, America in 2008. No trial needed. Hearsay from news and friends? . . . Good enough!

Lets switch to trial by computer vote. We could save a lot of money on the judicial system. When John6PackJr goes to jail by popular vote, he could thank you.

[robaldrich]

Bigbowler5 says: ''innocent animals'' are being shot by hunters, who in turn should be shot in the butt by other hunters (even though shooting at the butt is not a hunting techniques I have ever heard of).

Yes, we call that ''food,'' whether the animal was innocent or guilty (of what, I don''t know).

I wonder if this would be appropriate punishment for rapists, murderers, and other criminals in Big''s world (e.g. being raped by another rapist, being murdered by other murderer, etc).

I also wonder what the penalty is for hitting innocent bowling pins with bowling balls in Big''s world. Did the bowling ball give consent to hitting the pins and going through the return mechanism? I''m pretty sure the pins didn''t give consent to be hit.

[robaldrich]

smurfcrusher says: WE CANNOT AFFORD to have a corrupt senator and corrupt governor influencing our future!
------------------

I can afford it.

Big deal. That the price of electing moms to public office. THERE, I said it. Get a life.


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Posted by robaldrich4 at 05:46 PM : Oct 21, 2008

Thank you for proving that Republicans can''t obey laws and that their cries"personal responsibility" are just that without backing it up with actions.

It''s the same as holding up "Joe the Plumber" who didn''t pay taxes or the local hospital (even though health care is just fine)

There I said it, and I have a very nice life thank you, including owning 3 businesses, never taken unemployment in my 44 years of working, never taken welfare, pay my employees well, don''t have a distressed mortgage, in fact my house is paid for, don''t owe any money on cars, and continue putting money in the stock market have money in the savings and never missed an election of any sort in 41 years, never been in trouble with the law, have three kids all college educated, have 3 degrees myself and registered independent. Yep, a pretty good life.

[smurfcrusher]

"smurfcrusher says: WE CANNOT AFFORD to have a corrupt senator and corrupt governor influencing our future!
------------------

I can afford it."

Posted by robaldrich4

Were you one of the guys working on the senator''s house?

You''ll notice "we" does NOT equal YOU.

Laws exist for a reason. Or do you condone corruption?

[smurfcrusher]

"rickwar says: In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters'''''''' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.
------------------

Big deal. That the price of electing moms to public office. THERE, I said it. Get a life."

Posted by robaldrich4

Taxpayers don''t write blank checks just because someone is a "mom".

Or do you think it''s OK for her to have a $500,000 home given to her because she signed off on a $12M sports complex?

The folks in Wasilla will be paying for THAT one for a while.

[jamster31]

If he had e-mails that were dated askingt to be billed what''s the problem. That should clear him in itself. The guys 84 and has wealthy friends. if i had enough money i would buy my friends many things.

[smurfcrusher]

"
I wonder if this would be appropriate punishment for rapists, murderers, and other criminals in Big''''s world (e.g. being raped by another rapist, being murdered by other murderer, etc).

..."

Posted by robaldrich4

Haven''t you heard? Palin is a champion for the reproductive rights of rapists and committers of incest.

[smurfcrusher]

BREAKING NEWS:

"AP: Palin children traveled on state expenses
VP hopeful charged state for children''s travel, amended expense reports
Palin Family Travel
In this Feb. 11, 2007 file photo, Bristol Palin, left, and her sister Willow, daughters Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, waves the starting flag for their father Todd Palin at the start of the Iron Dog snowmachine race in Big Lake, Alaska."

"Palin charged the state for her children to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports that justified their presence as official business."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27310999/


Perhaps you Repubs can justify Palin using Alaska taxpayers as her own personal piggy bank?

[scottyusa]

It is not unbelievabe that Bill Allen did things at the senator''s place and did not charge even when asked. I am sure good old Bill considered it money in the bank for future use. I do think that at 84 and 40 years in the senate Stevens would not jeopardize everything over a measley $250,000.

[scottyusa]

You mean Stevens is different than the leadership of the Democratic Party? Ted Kennedy? Hillary Clinton? Tim Mahonie? Christopher Dodd? Yeah my list goes on and on and you will match it with one of your own. That is why it is all Bush''''s fault. He had to work with a bunch of crooks.

Posted by mroutside12


Excellent observation.

[brianbwb-2009]

"I wonder", he said with a sinister grin in his mind, "if the gifts were for a reason that no one has examined, that maybe Allen was plowing Mrs. Steven''s "south forty", as it is sometimes known.

[farnorth5]

Well.Well.Well just think of that - The possibility of a bit of "PORK"going his way.This is what is expected after the second term!!!!!!
Anybody consider a "THREE TERM LIMIT"as being an appropriate CHANGE IN LEGISLATION.

[honestabe8]

Senator you polish a ***. Here in the big city we got a word for those who''d bed their beloved big bird and make a mockery of our freedoms. Without even using a condom, without even saying "no". By God we have a name for people like that, it''s "Hey, Mother****er"

[tannerbird]

Please dont do anything with him he is Palin''s coach

[roadsterboy]

Just another example of Repiglican corruption. The only thing he has going for him is he didnt do the same thing as former Rep Foley and Senator Craig, that is, be a closet gay. Thats only because he is in his 80''s. If guilty, throw his A S S in jail.

[dbor77]

Stevens is definately "Sinister"..he''s completely corrupted. He reminds me of that guy that stands on the street corner with a sign waiting for hand outs. He wants to have his cake and eat it too...he knew what they were adding to his property. To throw his own wife under the bus in this trial is insane. Who does that?

[achangenow]

Stevens had to know what was going on unless he''s senile. Well, on second thought, he must be senile and is one corrupt politician! Didn''t he demand that there be no paper trail of the illegal work done?
What''s up with the Republicans from Alaska? Must be the 24 hours of sun in the summer and the 24 hours of darkness in the winter!

[kansas1946]

Please. No one who has been in the senate that long is "simple." He is just another politician on the take, abusing his power, like many others. Nothing new or sinister here. Just greedy.

[pirmin3]

He''s on the take just like all of his colleagues in congress. He has gotten so used to it he finds it completely normal and hence feels he done nothing wrong.

[ddaymichael]

Of course it wasn''t his fault...it was THEM!

[ddaymichael]

Another fine example of the SENATE SINALITY SYSTEM. This bum has been on the take so long, he forgot that it''s illegal.

He would have us believe that evildoers he foolishly trusted fixed up his home behind his back.

Why not? His BS was always believed before.

[xlib]

pelosi, rangel, dodd, raines, johnson, gorelick, conyers

[listenupf00l]

No I am the real Listenupfool !
and i admit i am more gay then the fake Listenupfool!

I think it''s completetly wrong for them to end it. That''s about the only place were I can pick up a Big black man, if you know what I mean.

I think it''s my right to pick it up were evr i want it.

[hologram5]

He is a "GOP''er" of course he is sinister and secretive. That is how the GOP party rolls. They divide and conquer. That was the way of the roman empire and look what happened to them.

[rjstolba]

If anyone believes this scumbag, please contact me. I have a load of gold specked dirt that I will sell them cheap. His whole career has been built on intimidating his collegues to get what he wants. He probably blackmailed the contractor to get the things he and his wife wanted for their home. You would have to be totally oblivious to your surroundings to NOT KNOW what someone was putting in your house and who PAID for it. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

[bobnjersey]

[Old Ted is being railroaded. Anyone could get $250,000 in repairs to their house for free and not notice.]
[Posted by johndevinejr at 12:05 PM : Oct 22, 2008]

i agree ... in the land of bizzaro ... i would be completely clueless if you doubled the value of my home ... added some new rooms it didn''t have before ... new furniture for my existing and new rooms ... my new gas grill (i love barbeque) ... and a full stock of new tools.

[petro49l]

Ted should take his Abilify. Manic depressives are obsessed with remodeling their homes. Contractors are often called by someone with mental illness because "voices" told them to order home repair. Only medication can treat this problem.