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JUNEAU - Former Gov. Walter Hickel had some harsh words for U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens in an article for Bloomberg.com that was posted Tuesday.

"He has served Alaska for 40 years, but his time is over," said Hickel, who appointed Stevens to a Senate vacancy in 1968, after Sen. Bob Bartlett died following heart surgery.

Stevens pleaded not guilty to seven corruption charges on July 31.

Hickel, 88, told Bloomberg he appointed Stevens because he was young and could help the state during a long Senate career.

"We were a young state, and I learned we needed seniority, and Ted was a survivor," Hickel said.

"Now it's time for a change," he said. "He's just doing what those big economic interests want done," Hickel said. "I don't care if I appointed him. That was a long time ago."

To view the Bloomberg article, visit the Internet at www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aY7qfTglb9IQ&refer=us.