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.

"It saddens me to learn that these charges have been brought against me. I have never knowingly submitted a false disclosure form required by law as a U.S. senator. In accordance with Senate Republican Conference rules, I have temporarily relinquished my vice-chairmanship and ranking positions until I am absolved of these charges. The impact of these charges on my family disturbs me greatly. I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that." Stevens.

"The president has been working with Sen. Stevens for many years and he appreciates his strong leadership on key issues. This is a legal matter that the Department of Justice is handling, and so we will not comment further on it." White House press secretary Dana Perino.

"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 Sen. Stevens' financial disclosure forms, which he filed under penalties of perjury, either as gifts or as liabilities, and further, that Sen. 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.

"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.

"I was shocked to learn of today's announcement. I know Ted Stevens to be an honorable, hard-working 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.

"Sen. Stevens' indictment shows just how much Alaska has been hurt by corruption. Sen. Stevens violated the public's trust. Sen. Stevens should step down from his post in Washington. It's time for him to retire. Alaskans need representation in the Senate that they can trust." Patti Higgins, chairwoman of the Alaska Democratic Party.

"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.

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

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

"It's a sad day for the Senate. ... I've worked with him a long time, and I've found him to be a straight shooter, a hard worker, and a good, bipartisan colleague." Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.

"It's a very, very serious matter. It's being pursued by the Justice Department aggressively and appropriately, and in this country, people are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and Sen. Stevens will have an opportunity to present his case." Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.

"I know Ted Stevens, and he's an honest man. ... I'm very hurt for him." Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah.

"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.

"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.

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