Stevens insists he paid the bills and released a statement this afternoon.
"I urge Alaskans not to form conclusions based upon incomplete and sometimes incorrect reports in the media. The legal process should be allowed to proceed so that all the facts can be established and the truth determined."
It was back in May when Channel 2 News interviewed contractor Augie Paone, who said the bills went to VECO first and then were forwarded on to Stevens.
"I would give the invoices to VECO, they would review it and make sure the billings were correct and they'd give it back to me and say sure go ahead just fax it over or sometimes they'd fax it over to him," Paone said in May.
As officials continue to search, more photos are being taken and light fixtures are being tested, but so far nothing has been taken out of the home.
Diversified Maintenance contractor Jim Helms said he was interviewed by the FBI last Thursday after he was hired to remove the Christmas lights from Stevens' home.
"I found it interesting that they were so interested in Christmas lights at Ted Stevens' house. We are all familiar with what's going on, but I was surprised they were out there and saw this and through the logo on my truck, they were able to track me down rather quickly," Helms said.
Another indication that no matter what the feds are looking for, they've had their eyes on Stevens' home for some time.
More than 24 agents were on scene today and were still on scene late into the night. Neighbors said they don't know what's going on, but that they've been watching the FBI.
The nonpartisan group Taxpayers for Common Sense plans to call on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to follow the lead of House Republican leaders and ask Sen. Stevens to step down temporarily from his positions on the Commerce, Science and Transportation and Appropriations Committees until the federal investigation is completed.
Washington D.C. based newspaper Roll Call is reporting that the organization is expected to make its arguments in a letter to McConnell.
Contact Rebecca Palsha at rpalsha@ktuu.com
