Sen. Dan Inouye, D-Hawai'i, issued a brief statement today defending his friend, Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, after Stevens was convicted of seven corruption charges.

Inouye said, "I am deeply saddened by the jury's decision ... however, this may not be the final decision, as this matter is subject to appeal.

"I hope the people of Alaska continue to believe in Ted Stevens, to remember his contributions, and to look upon him as a friend. He will continue to be my friend."

Stevens, 84, was convicted of all seven charges he faced of lying about free home renovations and other gifts he received from a wealthy oil contractor.

Stevens faces up to five years in prison on each count when he is sentenced Jan. 26, but under federal sentencing guidelines, he is likely to receive much less prison time, if any.