2008 Woodie Awards
Siegelman's case means foul play for Alabama
Jennifer Harris
Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/3/08 Section: Opinion
I am new to the state of Alabama and I do not know much about the political scene except it is pretty much a red state. However, I did pay attention while I was casually channel-surfing and "60 Minutes" had an exclusive on the former governor of Alabama, Don Siegelman.
The opening scene really grabbed me. It began by revealing the hopeful ideas Siegelman intended to bring to the state and the improvements he was seeking, especially in education. It looked like his future was bright, though unconventional, as a Democratic governor in a Republican state.
It then cut to an image of him emptying dirty mop buckets in a federal penitentiary in Louisiana. In 2006, Siegelman was convicted on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice and sentenced to more than seven years in prison.
Looking at the case on the surface, it seems reasonable. A witness testified that Siegelman took money in exchange for giving a businessman who ran a health care company a seat on the CON Board, which regulates hospital construction. Shady, right?
But as you look closer at the details of the case, it is not as black and white as it seems. In fact, fifty-two state attorney generals, from both parties, feel that this case needs to be examined more closely. There is concern that perhaps Siegelman was simply in the wrong political party for his state and had to be forced out in some way.
"60 Minutes" interviewed a woman who claims that current President Bush advisor and previous Alabama strategist, Karl Rove, asked her to get pictures of Siegelman in a compromising sexual position. She also claims that Rove's associate and Republican consultant Bill Canary told her that he knew federal prosecutors that could "take care of" Siegelman, one being Canary's wife.
After a judge threw out the case they were trying to make because of lack of evidence, Siegelman decided to try to run for governor for the 2006 election. Federal prosecutors came at him again. Parts of the case began to seem fuzzy. The star witness, who supposedly saw the illegal activity, had to be coached to give the same story. He also turned out to be a felon himself and worked with the prosecutors to get a lighter sentence.
The opening scene really grabbed me. It began by revealing the hopeful ideas Siegelman intended to bring to the state and the improvements he was seeking, especially in education. It looked like his future was bright, though unconventional, as a Democratic governor in a Republican state.
It then cut to an image of him emptying dirty mop buckets in a federal penitentiary in Louisiana. In 2006, Siegelman was convicted on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice and sentenced to more than seven years in prison.
Looking at the case on the surface, it seems reasonable. A witness testified that Siegelman took money in exchange for giving a businessman who ran a health care company a seat on the CON Board, which regulates hospital construction. Shady, right?
But as you look closer at the details of the case, it is not as black and white as it seems. In fact, fifty-two state attorney generals, from both parties, feel that this case needs to be examined more closely. There is concern that perhaps Siegelman was simply in the wrong political party for his state and had to be forced out in some way.
"60 Minutes" interviewed a woman who claims that current President Bush advisor and previous Alabama strategist, Karl Rove, asked her to get pictures of Siegelman in a compromising sexual position. She also claims that Rove's associate and Republican consultant Bill Canary told her that he knew federal prosecutors that could "take care of" Siegelman, one being Canary's wife.
After a judge threw out the case they were trying to make because of lack of evidence, Siegelman decided to try to run for governor for the 2006 election. Federal prosecutors came at him again. Parts of the case began to seem fuzzy. The star witness, who supposedly saw the illegal activity, had to be coached to give the same story. He also turned out to be a felon himself and worked with the prosecutors to get a lighter sentence.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Jeffrey Poor
posted 3/08/08 @ 12:56 PM CST
You really ought to expand your knowledge of the Siegelman bribery conviction beyond Scott Pelley (an admitted lefty) and "60 Minutes."
Jill Simpson's story has several holes in it and the Huntsville blackout is just food black helicopter moon bats. (Continued…)
Shooba Pie
posted 3/13/08 @ 6:56 AM CST
Siegelman has sticky fingas!
Bill Storey sr
posted 3/23/08 @ 3:43 PM CST
Only Time will record the the truth, but then again where are the WMD's. But that is another story
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