Blog - Indicted.

(Updated below)

It’s been a long time coming:

>Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens® was charged with seven counts of making false statements on his financial disclosure forms in an indictment unsealed in federal court in the District this afternoon.
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>The indictment accuses Stevens, former chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, of concealing payments of more than $250,000 in goods and services he allegedly received from an oil company. The items include home improvements, autos and household items.

The drums of resignation have already begun to beat.

TPM has had the best coverage of the Stevens case over the past year or so. Here’s their archive of Stevens coverage and their YouTube page of videos involving the case.

Click here to download the full indictment (pdf).

UPDATE:Stevens speaks:

>"I have proudly served this nation and Alaska for over 50 years. My public service began when I served in World War II. It saddens me to learn that these charges have been brought against me. I have never knowingly submitted a false disclosure form required by law as a U.S. Senator.
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>In accordance with Senate Republican Conference rules, I have temporarily relinquished my vice-chairmanship and ranking positions until I am absolved of these charges.
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>The impact of these charges on my family disturbs me greatly.
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>I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that."