Stevens Likely to Testify Thursday

Sen. Ted Stevens seems likely to take the stand Thursday as the final witness for his defense.

His wife, Catherine, is expected to begin testifying Wednesday afternoon and will likely portray the Alaska Republican as having little interest and involvement in a home remodeling project at the heart of the criminal trial.

Rob Cary, one of Stevens’s lawyers, told a federal judge that his team plans to call just three more witnesses: Bob Persons, a friend who oversaw the home renovations, Catherine Stevens and the senator. Following the lunch break, Persons will likely give direct testimony for one hour. Following his cross-examination and redirect testimony, Catherine Stevens will take the stand.

The longest-serving GOP senator has pleaded not guilty to charges of lying about the gifts and unpaid home renovations on his annual financial disclosure forms.

– Manu Raju