Said, maintained (6)
I believe the answer is:
stated
I believe this is a double definition.
'said' is the first definition.
('state' can be a synonym of 'say')
'maintained' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
(Other definitions for stated that I've seen before include "Definitely expressed" , "Said firmly, averred" , "Close-fitting; drunk" , "Uttered, expressed in words" , "Specified" .)