The prosecution in Theodore Stevens’ federal corruption case has played audio tapes of Stevens talking about the possible consequences of what he was under investigation for. The transcripts are remarkable. Reuters:

“These guys can’t hurt really us. They’re not going to shoot us. It’s not Iraq. What the hell?,” Stevens told Bill Allen, founder of the former VECO Corp. oil-services firm based in Alaska.

Stevens is charged with lying on Senate disclosure forms from 2001 to 2006 to conceal more than $250,000 in renovations to his property and other gifts provided by VECO.

“The worst that can happen to us is we run up a bunch of legal fees, and might lose and we might have to pay a fine, might have to serve a little time in jail. I hope to Christ it never gets to that, and I don’t think it will,” Stevens said.

It’s harder to adequately state how remarkable it is that a sitting Senator would casually discuss the likelihood that his behavior would lead to “a little time in jail.” I suppose if it’s just “a little time” it’s not bad, right? I mean, if they’re not shooting Stevens (like they would in Iraq???), it’s hardly anything to worry about.

I’ve been following this case closely for a long while, but this strikes me as some of the most damning evidence against Stevens. He knew he could go to jail for what he did. If you know you might go to jail for your actions, it’s hard to plead ignorance when asked about your actions. Stevens is in deep trouble.

Disclosure: Most readers of Hold Fast likely know this, but until recently I served as Online Communications Director for Mark Begich, Ted Stevens’ opponent for the Alaska Senate seat. I am no longer connected to the Begich campaign in any way; these views are mine and mine alone.