WASHINGTON (AP) - Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens says he's not dropping out of his Senate race despite being convicted of seven corruption charges.
Stevens accused the Justice Department of unconscionable behavior in his prosecution and asked Alaskans and Senate colleagues to stand by him as he appeals the conviction. The conviction threatened to end the 40-year career of Alaska's political patriarch in disgrace.
In a statement released by his Senate office, Stevens asserted his innocence and said he would appeal. He was convicted of lying about $250,000 in home renovations and other gifts from a wealthy oil contractor.