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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:15 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2008

Inouye among more than 200 possible witnesses in Stevens trial

By Dennis Camire
Advertiser Washington Bureau

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, arrives at federal court in Washington today on the first day of his trial on corruption charges.

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE | Associated Press

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WASHINGTON — Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai'i, is on the list of more than 200 potential witnesses for the federal corruption trial of his longtime friend, Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, that the federal judge in the case released Monday.

The list also included Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.; and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and did not identify which witnesses Stevens or the federal prosecutors might call.

In a statement Monday, Inouye said that he had not been advised by anyone that he had been placed on a list of potential witnesses for the trial. Jury selection, which began here Monday in U.S. District Court, continues Tuesday.

"However, if I am subpoenaed, I will appear and testify," Inouye said.

Stevens faces seven felony charges of making false statements on his annual financial disclosure forms to conceal receipt of more than $250,000 in benefits from executives at VECO Corp., an oil and gas company. The benefits included home improvements, furniture and tools.

Inouye and Stevens, both 84, have been close friends for almost four decades. Both are decorated World War II veterans and they serve together on the Senate appropriations and commerce committees.

After Stevens was indicted in July, Inouye said the Alaskan senator "remains my friend."

"I believe in him," Inouye said at the time.

Reach Dennis Camire at dcamire@gns.gannett.com.