Yesterday, a jury convicted Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) on all seven counts of making false statements on his financial disclosure form regarding $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts he received from an oil contractor. “The verdict, coming barely a week before Election Day, added further uncertainty to a closely watched Senate race,” where he is facing a tough reelection campaign against Anchorage mayor Mark Begich. Stevens was accused of accepting $110,153.64 in materials, labor and other renovation expenses to his home in Girdwood, Alaska, as well a $2,695 massage chair for his home in Washington, D.C. “Other gifts prosecutors said he accepted include a new tool cabinet with tools, a new professional Viking gas grill and a stained glass window.” Stevens’ conviction is the latest shoe to drop in the wide-ranging investigation into corruption in Alaska, which has already seen 11 people — including former Veco Corp. head and Stevens’ close friend Bill Allen — charged, convicted, or pleaded guilty. Leaving the court house, Stevens defiantly declared, “It’s not over yet!” He plans to resume his reelection campaign on Wednesday.

From The Progress Report