Governor Palin says there's nothing to
the perceived rift between her and U-S Senator Ted Stevens.
     The governor joined Stevens today in Anchorage at his press
conference on energy initiatives.
     Palin says Stevens' voice needs to be heard across America on
the topic.
     The press conference turned to the relationship between two of
the state's most powerful politicians.
     Palin made openness in politics a cornerstone of her campaign
and took aim at congressional earmarks that send federal money to
states outside bureaucratic review.
     Stevens has been responsible for billions in earmarks for Alaska
and has said they were needed in a young state that lacked
infrastructure.

     Palin in September called on Stevens to explain why the FBI is
investigating the remodel of his home in Girdwood and his ties to a
man who has pleaded guilty to bribing state lawmakers, former VECO
Corporation head Bill Allen.
     Allen in trials last year testified he sent company employees to
work on Stevens' Girdwood home in 2000.
     Stevens has repeatedly said he can't discuss the investigation,
which included a search of his home last summer.
     But he said today he took no offense from any of Palin's
remarks.
     Stevens says they're both free to make comments about what the
other does and that once in awhile she'll say he's stupid.
     And he drew laughter when he said she may be right.

(Associated Press)