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U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens has advocated for Alaska since before there was a state of Alaska and, as the longest-serving Republican senator in history, had the opportunity to do much for the state.

Despite Stevens' indictment Tuesday on seven felony charges, some Alaska Republicans say they're not abandoning someone who they've had confidence in for so long.

"I'm absolutely supporting him," said Paulette Simpson, a prominent Juneau Republican. "I've known and trusted him for 31 years, and I have no reason to stop trusting him now."

Stevens didn't speak publicly Tuesday, but issued a statement saying he'd fight the charges brought by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"I am innocent of these charges, and I intend to prove that," he said.

Alaskans have elected Stevens six times to the Senate, but he's facing his toughest challenge in years, first in the Republican primary and then in a general election, where he may face Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

Begich has been running television ads talking about cleaning up Washington, but doesn't target Stevens specifically. Tuesday, Begich issued a statement calling the indictment "a sad day for Alaska," but declining to further criticize Stevens.

The case is likely to be closely watched outside Alaska. Democrats hold an ultra-slim 51-49 majority in the Senate that Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, would like to extend.

With a couple of Democratic senators often missing because of medical issues and Republican Vice President Dick Cheney casting tie-breaking votes, Stevens told the Empire earlier this month that Republicans have been able to stymie most Democratic initiatives.

The allegations that Stevens accepted more than a quarter of a million dollars in gifts from VECO Corp. CEO and convicted felon Bill Allen may give Democrats a chance to capture a Senate seat that has not been a realistic hope of the party before.

Alaska Republican Party Spokesman McHugh Pierre said the party didn't take stands in primary races, but supports Stevens generally.

"As our sitting senator, we're very supportive and happy to see Sen. Stevens say he's innocent and is going to fight these charges," Pierre said.

Rep. Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, and House minority leader, said she was "stunned," at the charges, despite earlier word of the investigation, and was concerned about the effect on the state.

Gov. Sarah Palin at a press conference Tuesday in Juneau said the news of the indictment "rocks the foundation of our state," but she didn't call for Stevens to step down, something she has done in other cases.

She said the case of Sen. John Cowdery, R-Anchorage, was different due to the pending vote on oil industry issues after he was accused of taking bribes from oil industry representatives.

Palin said Stevens' case was different.

"I respect his decades of service, which he's dedicated to the betterment of the state," Palin said.

Palin two years ago challenged Republican Party leaders on ethical issues, and especially Stevens' son, then-Alaska Senate President Ben Stevens, R-Anchorage, on oil and natural gas issues.

Ben Stevens has since been identified in court as having taken bribes from VECO Corp. executives, but not been charged. He has denied wrongdoing.

"We did have our differences, and probably would still have our differences if we spoke to one another today," Palin said.

The charges against Stevens are different from those that have been filed against several Republican legislators and executives, in that while Stevens is alleged to have accepted more than $250,000 in gifts, he didn't do anything specifically in exchange for the gifts.

"The indictment does not allege a quid pro quo," said Matt Friedrich, acting assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division.

Stevens said the charges that he had filed false disclosure statements about the gifts were untrue.

"I have never knowingly submitted a false disclosure required by law as U.S. Senator," he said in a written statement.

Kerttula said that while the charges seemed technical, the decision to bring them was serious.

"It seems serious to bring them in an election year against a senior United States senator," she said. "It is going to have an impact even if nothing happens."

The indictment could boost the candidacy of Republican David Cuddy of Anchorage, who has been making what had been a longshot attempt to oust Stevens. Now, he said, Republicans need to consider that Begich will likely win the general election if Stevens is the Republican nominee.

Pierre said whoever wins the nomination can hold the seat for Republicans.

"Conservatives will rally around the candidate that represents the values and beliefs of Alaskans," he said.

Douglas Republican Ginger Johnson said she wouldn't change her opinion of Sen. Stevens without a conviction.

"He still has my support," she said. "I believe in our system of innocent until proven guilty."

Friedrich said Stevens, who is in Washington, D.C., will not be arrested but will be allowed to turn himself in for arraignment.

• Contact reporter Pat Forgey at 586-4816 or patrick.forgey@juneauempire.com.