WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell testified in Sen. Ted Stevens' corruption trial Friday, saying the Republican from Alaska has a "sterling" character.
"He was a trusted individual whose word you could rely on," said Powell, a retired four-star Army general who spent about 40 years in public service.
"Never heard a single dissenting word," Powell, appearing for the defense as a character witness, said. "When you shook hands with Ted Stevens, it would benefit the nation in the long run."
Powell said he worked closely with Stevens when he headed up the Senate Appropriations Committee, and there was "nothing to ever suggest a lack of integrity."
Powell was Friday's headline defense witness. He resigned from his post as secretary of state in the Bush administration in November 2004.
Colin Powell testifies Stevens' word is 'sterling' - CNN.com
"He was a trusted individual whose word you could rely on," said Powell, a retired four-star Army general who spent about 40 years in public service.
"Never heard a single dissenting word," Powell, appearing for the defense as a character witness, said. "When you shook hands with Ted Stevens, it would benefit the nation in the long run."
Powell said he worked closely with Stevens when he headed up the Senate Appropriations Committee, and there was "nothing to ever suggest a lack of integrity."
Powell was Friday's headline defense witness. He resigned from his post as secretary of state in the Bush administration in November 2004.
Colin Powell testifies Stevens' word is 'sterling' - CNN.com
