Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, began his testimony Thursday by denying he made false statements and concealed gifts he received from friends.

By Matt Apuzzo; Lara Jakes Jordan WASHINGTON - Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens has never been one to back down from a fight. So when the Justice Department charged him with corruption, his response was unequivocal: Make it quick. I'm up for re-election in November.

By Matt Apuzzo and Lara Jakes Jordan Associated Press WASHINGTON -- Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens pleaded not guilty to corruption charges Thursday and received an unusually speedy trial date, which he hopes will clear his name before voters consider re- electing him in November.

U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges he lied on financial disclosure forms and asked for a trial before the general election. Stevens, the longest serving Republican in the Senate, appeared in U.S.