The longest serving Republican in the U.S. Senate, Ted Stevens, was convicted of seven corruption charges Oct. 27 in a trial that threatened to end in disgrace the 40-year career of the political patriarch of Alaska.

The verdict, coming barely a week before the Nov. 4 Election Day, increased Stevens' difficulty in winning what already was a difficult race against Democratic challenger Mark Begich. Democrats hope to seize the once reliably Republican seat as part of their bid for a 60-seat Senate majority that would strengthen their ability to overcome Republican filibusters aimed at blocking key legislation from coming to a vote.

Unbowed, even defiant, the 84-year-old Stevens accused prosecutors of blatant misconduct and said, "I will fight this unjust verdict with every ounce of energy I have."

Stevens said he would continue his campaign against Begich. Although the convictions are a significant blow for Stevens, they do not disqualify him and Stevens remains hugely popular in his home state.

The jury convicted Stevens of all the felony charges he faced for failing to report gifts.

Stevens faces up to five years in prison on each count when he is sentenced, but under federal guidelines he probably will receive much less incarceration, if any.

Stevens' plight comes on the heels of the disclosure that clothes and accessories totaling $150,000 had been purchased with Sen. John McCain's campaign donor funds for his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and her family.

McCain announced Oct. 26 that $50,000 worth of merchandise had already been returned.