Sen. Stevens may testify in criminal case

Sen. Ted Stevens, who is on trial for charges of failing to disclose more than $250,000 in gifts, is expected to take the witness stand this week, his attorneys said Tuesday.

The Alaska Republican could testify as soon as Wednesday, following testimony of Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who will vouch for Stevens's honesty.

{mosads}Stevens, 84, has pleaded not guilty to all seven felony charges. He faces reelection in the fall and his political opponents have dared him to take the stand.

Putting the Alaska Republican on the witness stand is a risk. He could provide powerful testimony showing that he believed he was paying a fair price for an elaborate home remodeling project, and was unaware he received a number of gifts that are central to his criminal charges.

But the senator, who once described himself as "a mean, miserable SOB," could be combative during cross-examination, possibly jeopardizing the portrait his lawyers are trying to paint of a respected and likable man devoted to his constituents.

If he appears to be evasive, angry or curt, jurors may be less sympathetic to the senior senator when they begin deliberations, which could start at the end of this week.

Stevens's team also plans to call to the stand Donna de Varona, a former Olympic swimmer who worked with the senator on legislative issues.