Some reactions to the indictment of Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, on seven counts of failing to disclose thousands of dollars in services he received from a company that helped renovate his home.

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“According to the indictment, the total amount of gifts that Sen. Stevens is alleged to have received over the duration of the offense is greater than $250,000. Also according to the indictment, these items were not disclosed on Senator Stevens’ financial disclosure forms, which he filed under penalties of perjury, either as gifts or as liabilities, and further, that Senator Stevens did not reimburse or repay VECO or its chief executive officer for these items.” _ Matthew Friedrich, chief of the Justice Department’s criminal division.

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“I have served with Sen. Stevens my entire congressional career. It’s a sad day for him, us, but you know I believe in the American system of justice and he’s presumed innocent. ” _ Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

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“I was shocked to learn of today’s announcement. I know Ted Stevens to be an honorable, hardworking Alaskan who has served our state well for as long as we have been a state. As to the charges, we are at the beginning of the criminal process and there is a judicial procedure in place that will be followed.” _ Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.

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“Ted is one of the most effective and honest legislators I have ever worked with. He has worked diligently to serve Alaska and has fought to make life better for people in every region of our state. I hope people will not rush to judgment and will let the judicial process work. The process is based on being innocent until proven guilty.” _ Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.

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“I’ve known Ted Stevens for 28 years and have always known him to be impeccably honest.” _ Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.

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“All of us have times that we have to deal with that are tough. I wish him the best.” _ Sen. John Warner, R-Va.

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“Taxpayers have a right to demand that their elected officials maintain the highest ethical standards and today’s events have made it even more clear that Sen. Stevens traded political favors for personal gain.” _ Steve Ellis, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a watchdog group.

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“With this indictment, members of Congress have been put on notice that the Justice Department, on behalf of the American people, will not tolerate members abusing their positions for private personal gain.” _ Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group.