It's about time.

From the AP:

Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska has taken the stand in his own defense at his corruption trial in the nation's capital.

The Republican icon is the last defense witness. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan told him late Thursday he didn't have to testify. But Stevens replied, "It's a privilege and a duty."

Late update: In his time on the stand -- of which there was only 20 minutes before the court recessed for the day -- Stevens answered questions from his attorney on the charges he faces and spoke of his life and career in Alaska.

From the Anchorage Daily News:

"Senator, when you signed those forms, did you believe they were accurate and truthful?" asked his lawyer, Brendan Sullivan.

"Yes sir," Stevens said.

"Did you ever intentionally file false disclosure forms?" his lawyer asked.

"No, I did not," Stevens said.

"Did you ever engage in any scheme to conceal anything from the Senate?" Sullivan asked.

"No sir," Stevens said.