Stevens Seeks Trial In Alaska To Allow For Nighttime CampaigningJurors in the upcoming trial of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) ought to brace for a field trip out to his renovated chalet in rural Girwood, Alaska.
Attorneys for the 84-year-old senator filed a motion in federal court today seeking to have his trial on seven counts of filing false statements moved from Washington, D.C. to Alaska.
Among the reasons cited is Stevens’ hope that the jurors can get a first-hand look at the renovations that prosecutors say Stevens received free-of-charge from an Alaska-based oil services firm and failed to reveal on his Senate finance disclosure reports. From the motion:
To assist the jury in understanding these renovations, Senator Stevens intends to request that the Court permit a jury visit to his Girdwood residence – an option that obviously would not be convenient for a Washington, D.C. jury. Moreover, it makes little sense to hold this trial over 3,000 miles from the renovations (the value of which is clearly in dispute) that lie at the heart of this case.
Stevens also claims the trial, scheduled to begin on Sept. 24, should be held in Alaska so the six-term incumbent can campaign at home during the run up to the November election.
Senator Stevens must be able to campaign, albeit limitedly, during the trial. Were venue transferred to Alaska, Senator Stevens would have the opportunity to campaign in the evenings and on weekends during the trial. Were venue transferred to Alaska, Senator Stevens would have the opportunity to campaign in the evenings and on weekends during the trial.
Federal prosecutors are expected to oppose the change in venue, citing the fact the disclosure forms containing the alleged false statements were filed in the capital.
