WASHINGTON AP – A list of character witnesses that Sen. Ted Stevens wants to call to the stand in his corruption trial – a list that includes Sens. Orrin Hatch and Edward Kennedy – must be cut in half, the judge said Friday.

In court papers, the defense had argued it should be able to call as many witnesses as it wanted to vouch for Stevens. But before testimony began Friday, U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan said the list of 10 names should be reduced to five.