Washington – A construction worker who oversaw renovation of Sen. Ted Stevens’ home said his company also paid him to help run fundraisers for the Alaska Republican, a practice that appears to violate federal campaign finance laws.
Contractor Robert Williams is a key witness in a bribery investigation that stretches from Alaska to Capitol Hill and threatens legal and political headaches for the Senate’s longest-serving Republican. The FBI is investigating whether Stevens received illegal gifts from VECO Corp., the once- powerful Alaska oil contractor.
Williams said he was in charge of “special projects” for VECO founder Bill Allen, and the renovation of Stevens’ home was one such project. Others included working three or four fundraisers for Stevens while on the clock with VECO.
Federal election laws prohibit candidates from accepting donations or free services from corporations.
Williams said he also helped run annual fundraising pig roasts for Rep. Don Young, another Alaska Republican who has come under scrutiny in the VECO investigation. The fundraisers were among many Williams said he worked on during his more than 13 years at VECO.
Stevens spokesman Aaron Saunders had no comment Wednesday.
