Stevens Sunk by His Own Testimony

Senator came across as evasive, combative in cross-examination
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 28, 2008 6:37 AM CDT
Stevens Sunk by His Own Testimony
Sen. Ted Stevens eaves federal court in Washington yesterday after a jury found him guilty in his corruption trial.    (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens' decision not to take the Fifth in his corruption trial was a bold gamble that backfired, the Hill writes. The Republican came across as "evasive and combative" under tough questioning on the stand, hurting his credibility and adding weight to the prosecution's argument that the senator had conspired to conceal free gifts from a company that stood to benefit from his clout.

Stevens had sought a quick trial in a move to beat the charges before his re-election bid. He must now face voters next week as the first sitting senator in a generation to be convicted of criminal charges. If Stevens—who could be sentenced to prison in February—wins, it will take a two-thirds vote of the Senate to expel him.
(More Ted Stevens stories.)

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