Possible Clues:

• Claim that one gets involved with the stairs
• Is this state meant to sound positive?
• Statement in article about stories spun
• Raising not one lock of hair — a bald statement
• Such a declaration is treason, in a way
• So I make this statement astern
• It's silly to start to make this sort of 24 across
• Strong declaration about rat noises
• How silly to start to make such a claim!
• Senator is about to make a statement