by Dani Carlson

The GOP's longest-serving senator, and an Alaska political icon, was indicted this morning on seven counts of false statements.

Stevens, in his official Senate portrait.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich rolled out the charges against Senator Ted Stevens in Washington, D.C., this morning.  He said a phone call was made to Brendan Sullivan, Stevens' attorney, this morning, and the senator will be allowed to turn himself in to authorities.

The 28-page indictment alleges that Stevens made false statements on his Senate Financial Disclosure forms for the years 1999-2006. Six of the seven counts specifically target individual financial forms.

The indictment says that Stevens helped push through requests for lucrative contracts and government grants for oil field services company VECO (recently renamed CH2MHILL) in exchange for goods and services such as a 1999 Land Rover, a Viking gas grill, a tool storage cabinet with new tools, household goods such as furniture, and an extensive home renovation and repairs on behalf of VECO employees and contractors.

The estimated value of all items is put at well over $250,000.  The indictment alleges that Stevens did not fully reimburse the value of the goods and services rendered.

Senate Financial Disclosure forms must be filled out every year by lawmakers, as required by the Ethics in Government Act.  The forms are intended to keep track of benefits and gifts given to lawmakers, as a way to ensure against special legislative favors in exchange for gifts. There are legal limits as to the financial value of gifts that lawmakers may accept.

Alaska's other official in the Senate, Senator Lisa Murkowski, said she was "shocked to
learn of today's announcement" in a press release issued today.

The corruption investigations tied to VECO have been rocking Alaska solidly since August of 2006, when six state lawmakers' offices were raided--those of five Republicans and one Democrat. It included the office of former State Senate President Ben Stevens, son of Senator Ted Stevens.  Matthew Friedrich related the corruption trial of former lobbyist Bill Bobrick and former state representative Tom Anderson to the VECO scandal.

Stevens has temporarily stepped down from important committee positions.

Stevens defends himself in a statement released from his office. "I am innocent of these charges," he says, "and I intend to prove that."

MORE UPDATES:

.- 7/30/08 -- GOP Washington Republicans keep mum on calling Stevens down -- R.A. Dillion

.- 7/31/08 -- Stevens Pleads Not Guilty to Charges -- Associated Press

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RELATED DOCUMENTS:

.- 28-page indictment *

.- Department of Justice Press Release *

.- Senator Lisa Murkowski's Reaction

.- AUDIO PRESS CONFERENCE: Governor Sarah Palin's Reaction

.- Ted Stevens' Statement

.- Ted Stevens Biography, US Senate website

.- Alaska Democratic Party's Response

.- Senate race opponent Mark Begich's response

* - COURTESY OF THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS

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I just gave you the news angle of it, but what does it really mean? I'm going to put personal politics aside and tell you how it is.

As an Alaskan, I can tell you that this is one of those days that will forever be burned onto our calendars and memories.  This is as big as the day that our state constitution was signed, as big as the commencement of building the Trans-Alaska pipeline--it's history-making.

My personal feeling is that no matter which way you lean on the political fence in Alaska (gonna leave politics out of this), Senator Ted Stevens is, to everyone, a solid part of the foundation our state is built on. Without him, our state would not be what it is today; he helps our state keep its head above water financially. It's a sad day. No one wants to believe that elected officials are capable of doing underhanded things, especially people from your own community.

Now for the real fun--which would be the trial. Naturally, all Americans are innocent until proven guilty, as per our legal system.

Those are only my personal feelings about this--but other young Alaskans have a lot to say, as well.

Here are the reactions of others:


Sarah, 28 - Ester

The press release from the Department of Justice released an 'indictment' for Ted Stevens. It's under
investigation. No real verdict has yet been committed. However, given the situation, I'd say someone is cleaning house. My concern is that Stevens' ties with corporate loopholes and big oil may give the rest of the United States the belief that all of Alaska operates this way.

Sean, 22 - Fairbanks

I find it interesting that people are shocked by a corrupt politician. Ted Stevens has been in office forever, and the power was bound to go to his head at some point. It is still disappointing to know that our representative did such a thing.

Kyle, 21 - Wasilla

Corruption needs to be thoroughly investigated wherever it pops in its ugly head. Our elected officials need to know that they can't get away with having conflicts of interest that short-change the American
people. I'm sure Senator Stevens has good lawyers, so if he is truly innocent, then he has nothing to fear.

Todd, 34 - Soldotna

Well...we could possibly act with outrage, disclaiming his moral turpitude. However, he IS human and when one points fingers... well, I'm sure you understand the old cliché. My main question is where is the outrage at ourselves, the voters? How far did our apathy go? Did we vote? Did we demand change? Did we watch closely enough? Stevens "coasted" into re-election six times...where were we? The man has the responsibility to face his own actions, but we have the responsibility to face ours... we MUST vote and MUST act as our own conscience dictates. Yet those who don't vote, who don't speak up, who don't act differently than Stevens...well, maybe this might spur them to do something. Maybe they'll realize that it's time to promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable
and responsive.

Karl, 22 - Anchorage

I have a feeling people are going to listen more than ever. Because of this indictment, I think this will draw out more concerns and questions. We'll see how the election goes...

Christine, 23 - Denver CO (formerly Fairbanks)

I am glad to see this happening! I think he deserves it! I mean, he is muddy, his politics are muddy! Let's clean it up! I do agree with the statement above, that the people need to hold themselves more accountable, in all areas of politics. but, that includes the politicians themselves, they ought to be even more so! Only because I believe when you put yourself out there as a leader, you know the responsibly that comes with such a position.

Michele, 26 - Palmer

This should come as no surprise to Alaskans; I'd imagine people will be a bit disappointed in the state at large for having failed to catch these indiscretions sooner. It doesn't bode well, however, for Alaska or for big-business oil and its involvement in politics: I would guess that we'll subsequently see an increase in the level of scrutiny directed at one or both of these parties-politicians and oil companies. It's also an interesting treatise on the lack of limitations governing the Senate and its subsidiaries. He's 84?! At what point do we decide to gently but firmly put an end to the careers of those who clearly aren't serving the best interests of those who've elected them?? Time to get some new blood in the Senate for our state, and I suspect for others.

Joe, 24 - Fairbanks

Innocent 'til proven guilty. We will see what happens next and go on from there.

Harmonie, 22 - Fairbanks

GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY! I believe that people who have been in politics for as long as he has been are corrupted by them-that's why I think it's so very important to have fresh faces often. I am not the least bit surprised: it's only a matter of time before he gets caught! ... I'm waiting for the feds to catch Ben, too! ...

Leah, 36 - Fairbanks

I have a little longer memory than most of you and have witnessed the dedication Ted has applied towards this state. Many of the projects he got funding for, you now enjoy. My main emotion is sadness. On one hand, I am disappointed, because I really was hoping it didn't all end up this way. The OTHER hand of my disappointment is the two levels of naïveté, here. I mourned mine when it was lost years ago, it sucked, but it happened. The amount of it I see in comments here and on the newspaper boards, however, is crazy. This IS politics we are talking about here; you know that, right? I hate to burst your collective bubbles, but POLITICS IS DIRTY. Nature of the beast. Does that make it
right? No. Does that make it good? Hell, no! Unfortunately it IS the way it is. Every politician who has had enough money or power to rise above the local level has had, somewhere in their history, to make a deal. You will be told otherwise, but it just doesn't change reality. This is how things get done. Do I like it? No. The good politicians make deals that benefit their states. Did Ted do that? Yes. Do I wish he or someone else had been/could be Mr. Smith riding off to DC to do justice? Unfortunately, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington was just a movie. Do I wish the world was different? Yes, but wishing (and even reform) in the end gets you nowhere. When you touch a pig, expect to get dirty, anything less is poor planning.

Gavin, 25 - Ketchikan

I can't say I'm suprised. Those who fallow Alaskan politics know that Sen. Stevens has been under investigation for awhile now. Hopefully people will see this as an opportunity for a new start. While Sen. Stevens seniority has been a great boon for AK, getting another new face in Washington could really help bring new perspectives for Alaskan issues. And anyway, you know what they say about celebrity and politics, any coverage is good coverage, because at least you'll be in the news...

Jeremy, 29 - Salcha

I hope the people that have posted comments... were at the BRAC meeting in the Carlson Center [in Fairbanks] a few year ago. I was