By DAN JOLING ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A federal jury convicted a former Alaska lawmaker Thursday of corruption charges involving tax protections sought by oil companies as part of plans for a multibillion-dollar natural gas pipeline. Ex-state Rep.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Former Alaska lawmaker Pete Kott, accused of trading his legislative influence for bribes, was convicted Tuesday of corruption charges. Kott, who served as speaker of the House, was convicted of conspiracy to solicit financial benefits, extortion and bribery.

The FBI, working with an Alaska oil contractor, secretly taped telephone calls with Sen. Ted Stevens as part of a public corruption sting, according to people close to the investigation.

By DAN JOLING ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The former head of an oil field service company admitted Thursday in court that he bribed three Alaska legislators, including the son of a U.S. senator who is the target of a federal investigation. Former VECO Corp.

By STEVE QUINN By STEVE QUINN the Associated Pre