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ANCHORAGE -- It took FBI raids at the offices of six state lawmakers to alter Alaska's political climate and thrust it onto a national stage.

The searches two years ago not only laid a foundation for a probe that's continues to this day, but also set a theme for Tuesday's statewide primary.

Tuesday's ballot comes underscored with widespread corruption investigations, federal trials, a short lineup of convicted lawmakers and some trash talking.

Now, more than 476,000 registered voters get their say in a primary election that could set the tone for a change in Washington and Juneau.

It's a different game from two years ago, when the biggest decision was whether Republican Frank Murkowski deserved a second crack at running for governor.

Voters said no, and sent upstart Sarah Palin - who campaigned on ethics reform even before federal investigations went public - onto the general election.

Several day days after her victory, the FBI raided the offices belonging to state lawmakers in Juneau. Eleven months later, they showed up at U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens' Girdwood home.

Voters will decide whether Stevens, who has a Sept. 22 date in federal court, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, who is under federal investigation, should be on the November ballot.

The primary became especially charged late last month when the Justice Department stunned Stevens with an indictment alleging seven counts of federal disclosure violations.

Prosecutors allege Stevens failed to report more than $250,000 in repairs to the home he calls the "chalet" and gifts

Stevens pleaded not guilty, and will go on trial in September.

In many areas throughout the state, support remains strong for the 84-year-old senator as campaign signs line the streets.

Just last Friday 200 supporters appeared at a fundraiser in Juneau talking about "Uncle Ted's" 40 years in office and why they need him for another six.

Meanwhile, Young has spent more than $1 million of campaign donations on legal fees over the last 18 months, but won't say why he's ponied up so much. Young hasn't been charged.

Still, Young's signature artful tongue has not failed him. With just a few days to go before voters hit the polls, Young unabashedly called opponent Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell "incompetent."

Should Young win on Tuesday, he won't be around to gloat. His campaign said he plans to spend the day out of the spotlight, at his home in Fort Yukon.

The state's maligned political climate has been a national embarrassment to former and current lawmakers, plus the few people who helped draft this state's constitution.

The shame especially resonates with two state House members whose fathers also held state offices: Juneau Democrat Beth Kerttula and North Pole Republican John Coghill.

"It bothers me immensely," said Coghill, a 10-year lawmaker whose father, Jack, served in the state Senate, as lieutenant governor, and was one of the signatories to the state's Constitution nearly 50 years ago.

"Shame on those who dirtied the name of Alaska," he said. "Right now it's important for those of us remaining to do what we can to restore our good name."

Kerttula has a primary opponent, but no general election foe should she win Tuesday. Coghill gets a pass in the primary but has an opponent in the general election.

The two have watched three former colleagues land in federal prisons from two separate investigations.

One more former legislator awaits trial as does a sitting state senator, Anchorage Republican John Cowdery. He is not seeking re-election, and he has pleaded not guilty to the corruption charges.

Meanwhile, former Senate President Ben Stevens also remains under investigation after having his offices in Juneau and Anchorage searched.

All are Republicans, leaving the Democrats arguably with their best chance at grabbing a majority.

The Democrats are also getting a boost from presumed presidential nominee Barack Obama, whose campaign opened five offices in Alaska's larger cities and is reaching out to rural areas like Barrow, Nome and Haines.

Kerttula, whose father, Jake, had separate stints as House Speaker and Senate President, said she believes change is due, said she likes the momentum her party is getting.

But regaining trust remains most important, she said.

"The main thing now is how do we deal with this image we now have?" Kerttula said. "That's the critical thing for all of us, regardless of the party."