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Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) pleaded not guilty Thursday to seven felony charges and is requesting to “clear his name” before the November elections. Looking calm in a light gray suit, Stevens appeared in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with his attorney, who asked to have the trial expedited before November and moved to Alaska. “I appear here not to ask for any special favors ... But I do want to ask the court that he would like to clear his name before the general election,” said Brendan Sullivan, Stevens’s attorney. He added that 90 percent of the 30-40 witnesses are from Alaska so a venue in that state would make for easier accommodation. It also would presumably allow Stevens to campaign in October when Congress will likely be out of session. Sullivan said the case could move swiftly because the defense and prosecution will call
“very quick” witnesses. But the government says that witnesses will have accommodation in Washington and can easily reach the court for the trial. Government prosecutors are not asking for bond, but want the senator’s passport so he won’t flee the country. Stevens did not address the court. Sullivan said the trial should take a week, while prosecutors said it would take three weeks and asked for it to start Sept. 22. Judge Emmet G. Sullivan asked for a recess so he could consider the request. Government prosecutors say they are not offering a plea deal to Stevens, who faces six GOP challengers in an Aug. 26 primary. |
