Jury set in Stevens trial

A jury has been selected in Sen. Ted Stevens's criminal trial, paving the way for an intense four weeks that will determine the Alaska Republican's political future.

{mosads}After three days of grueling questioning, attorneys for the government and Stevens agreed to seat 16 jurors, four of whom will serve as alternates. Eleven women and five men, most of whom appear to be middle-aged, will serve on the panel. Nine of the women and three men are black, and also seated are two white women who appear to be in their 50s, as well as one white man in his 20s.

Stevens, appearing at the trial with his daughter in the audience, was expressionless as the jury was seated. The senator has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of felony for concealing more than $250,000 in gifts and home renovations from a now-defunct oil-services company. He has pushed for a speedy trial so the jury can reach a verdict before Alaskan voters decide in November to send him back to the Senate to serve a seventh full term.

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin Thursday morning.