Ted Stevens' trial started today!

[seemslikeadream]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-stevens23-2008sep23,0,5873128.story

WASHINGTON -- The telephone conversation between the two businessmen concerned an old friend, Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, and the subject was money -- or at least Stevens' feelings about it.

"Ted gets hysterical when he has to spend his own money," said one of the callers.


"I know," replied the other.

In a corruption case where the core issue is whether Stevens knowingly accepted gifts in violation of federal law, the conversation, secretly recorded by federal investigators, could be crucial evidence.

On one end was a restaurateur who oversaw the remodeling of Stevens' Alaska home. Prosecutors contend the senator never paid for the improvements.


On the other end was an oil executive accused of helping bankroll the home makeover and showering Stevens and his family with other gifts in violation of federal law.

The recording is part of the evidence that prosecutors hope jurors will hear as Stevens goes to trial this week in federal court in Washington. Jury selection began Monday.

The Senate's longest-serving Republican was indicted in July on charges of failing to disclose in financial reports $250,000 in improvements at his home in Girdwood, Alaska, and other gifts, including a Viking gas grill and a bargain price on a new Land Rover.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

1. The Ted Stevens who endorsed Governor Sarah Palin!

[L. Coyote]

2. They made a great video together, a real political love-in of old buddies

Palin on Ted Stevens: 'I have great respect for him'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YptTFDsktVQ

[Blue_In_AK]

3. Their relations seemed to be somewhat icy at first,

but it looks like they've kissed and made up. I'm sure they're using each other.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

4. Isn't that peachy!