Justice Dept. to Uncle Ted: Your case is about financial benefits not Senate affairs.

Nice try, Ted.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department is firing back in court against the latest legal arguments made by Senator Ted Stevens, who hopes to get corruption charges against him thrown out.

Earlier Thursday, the Alaska Republican argued the investigation intrudes on his Senate affairs, and that it's up to the Senate to enforce the rules he's accused of violating.But federal prosecutors have already countered, telling the court their case has nothing to do with Stevens' legislative actions. They're focusing on financial benefits they say he was given by oil services contractor VECO, which prosecutors say he tried to conceal.

The Justice Department admits taping phone conversations between Stevens and VECO's founder, and they outline e-mails and conversations where Stevens offers to help VECO.

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