Trial not hurting Stevens' re-election bid

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Standing trial in a Washington courtroom has not sunk Republican Sen. Ted Stevens' bid for re-election in Alaska, his supporters say.

"I think he's electable," Florence Hall, 77, told The Washington Post. "I have my doubts about a trial outcome in Washington, D.C. I really do. I've heard reminders that Washington, D.C., is full of politicians and it's Democratic territory and they're going to focus on hanging a Republican."

Even Stevens' detractors acknowledge he remains a political force, the Post reported Wednesday. Bill Stanfill, 57, who moved to Alaska seven years ago, put up a sign that pictured "Ted's Toast." But he recognizes Steven's popularity among Alaska's long-time residents.

"Had I been here 37 years and I'd seen him bring all these goodies for all these years, I'd see him the way everybody else does," Stanfill said. "Who doesn't like Robin Hood?"

Stevens is charged with failing to report $250,000 in gifts from an Alaska oil services company. Despite that, a poll taken just before his trial started showed him in a virtual tie with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.