U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye called the case against Sen. Ted Stevens “;weak”; yesterday, as the trial for the Alaskan Republican charged with concealing $250,000 in gifts comes to a close today.

“;The jury has the case, and for whatever it's worth, I think the prosecution's case is very weak,”; Inouye said yesterday to the Star-Bulletin after a press conference with Gov. Linda Lingle on a major energy initiative plan. “;I can't understand why the government would spend millions of dollars to pursue something that comes from a witness who is tainted.”;

Inouye was referring to Bill Allen, founder of oil services contractor VECO Corp. and once a close friend of Stevens, who had given gifts and services for Stevens to renovate his house in Girdwood, Alaska.

Stevens, 84, is facing difficult re-election this year against Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich - a race that Inouye said will rest on the outcome of the trial. Jury deliberations are set to begin tomorrow.

Stevens is accused of failing to disclose upgrades to his cabin to a two-story home with wraparound porches, a garage and amenities including an expensive gas grill, a workshop and a whirlpool.

“;I visited his place,”; Inouye said. “;He showed me the furniture. I wanted to tell him, 'If someone gave me the furniture, I would throw it away.' But they were good friends. If we were good friends and you cooked a lousy meal, I'm not going to say, 'Gee, that was lousy.' I'm going to say that was good.”;