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Freed Former Ala. Governor Targets Rove

Siegelman, out on appeal, says politics put him in prison

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 29, 2008 7:47 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman, who walked out of a Louisiana federal prison on an appeal bond yesterday, told the New York Times in his first interview that "abuse of power" put him behind bars—and accused Karl Rove of being behind it all. “It’s going to be my quest to encourage Congress to ensure that Karl Rove either testifies, or takes the Fifth,” Siegelman said.

The Democratic governor has been jailed for nine months on a 7-year sentence for corruption charges supporters charge were orchestrated by the former White House political director. "His fingerprints are smeared all over it," Siegelman said. Siegelman was convicted of granting former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy a place on a hospital board in exchange for a campaign contribution. But the appeals court said Siegelman had raised “substantial questions" about his trial.

Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from federal prison in Oakdale, La., Friday, March 28, 2008 in Vestavia, Ala.
Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from federal prison in Oakdale, La., Friday, March 28, 2008 in Vestavia, Ala.   (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Governor Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from Federal prison in Louisiana Friday, March 28, 2008, in Vestavia Ala.
Governor Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from Federal prison in Louisiana Friday, March 28, 2008, in Vestavia Ala.   (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Governor Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from federal prison in Louisiana on Friday, March 28, 2008 in Vestavia, Ala.
Governor Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from federal prison in Louisiana on Friday, March 28, 2008 in Vestavia, Ala.   (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Governor Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from Federal prison in Louisiana Friday, March 28, 2008, in Vestavia, Ala.
Governor Don Siegelman makes a statement to the media after being released on an appeal bond from Federal prison in Louisiana Friday, March 28, 2008, in Vestavia, Ala.   (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
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House wants Siegelman to testify
Associated Press

Ex-gov: I lost my freedom, but never my faith
al.com (Ala.)

 
Karl Rove • bribery • corruption • Don Siegelman • Alabama • federal prison • governor • Richard Scrushy

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