Reactions
The Alabama Democrats have a press release about Don Siegelman’s release.
Executive Director Jim Spearman stated, “This is the correct step that should have been taken many months ago by Judge Fuller. Fortunately the 11th Circuit is righting this wrong.”
Loretta Nall says the news is superb. Mooncat at Left in Alabama is happy. Danny is objective, as usual. The Alabama GOP also issued a press release:
The Alabama Republican Party is disappointed in today’s ruling by the 11th Circuit Court and their decision to release former Governor Don Siegelman pending his appeal of the 6 counts of bribery and the 1 count of obstruction for which he was convicted.
Representative Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party stated “the former Governor’s release pending appeal does not change the conviction by a jury of his peers. It would be premature to turn this development into anything other than a formality.”
Comment by yeah
The Hubbard press release really captures the issue: this is merely a formality. Yes, it was a formality that Judge Fuller sat on for 7 months, for which he was already reprimanded by the Circuit Court. The oddity was that the Circuit Court of Appeals had to step in to ensure proper disposal of such a formality.
Comment by Anonymous
the Alabama Repoublican Party should be very careful about condemning this order. Any lawyer will tell you the facts and circumstances regarding Don’s inprisonment were at best laughable at worst a sign of significant corrpution. When all is said and done Fuller will be removed from the bench and Don will walk free. Cam is a lawyer. It would be interesting for a republican lawyer to defend Fuller in this case. His conduct and rulings are indefensible.
Comment by mooncat
I am happy, although I didn’t say so explicitly in that post. My respect for our system of justice and trial by jury keeps me from proclaiming that “Don Siegelman is innocent,” but I have real reservations about his investigation and trial and I’m truly glad that he’s out of prison while the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the conviction. Not to mention that the House Judiciary Committee will be looking into the behavior of the DoJ personnel involved.
So much of our system of government is based on trust that we can’t afford to have that trust undermined. Siegelman isn’t violent and isn’t likely to flee. Let him out while the appellate system works. Put it all out in the open so the people can see whether he’s guilty or innocent. Cleanse the wound and let it heal.
Comment by Anonymous
Siegelman wants to testify before a congressional committee, but he refused to take the stand in his own defense at his trial. Strange to me.
Comment by Will
HA! to Anonymous #2. “ANY” lawyer will tell you that? I find it very hard to believe that the lawyers of the state of Alabama, let alone lawyers everywhere, are of a like mind on anything.
As for Judge Fuller being removed from the bench, I would be willing to wager any amount of money that such an event will not come to pass. Do you have any idea how few federal judges have been removed from the bench in the history of this country? Even the microscopic amount who have are not removed for the way they rule in cases, even if “ANY” lawyer will tell you they are incorrect.
It’s that sort of thinking, that judges should be impeached when we disagree with them on matters of law, that led the Founders to insulate that branch from the wild wills of the body politic.
Comment by Anonymous
HA to WIll…whats the over/under on the number of days he stays on the bench after the appeal (one way or the other) is final? Bet he steps down to spend his defense department loot before he is impeached.
BTW I should have said any competent lawyer. The process was corrupted are you even debating that? If so, please refer to the competent statement above.
Comment by Anonymous
Further, this is not a mere disagreement about “matters of law”. This is about politicalization of the justice system. Whereby a Judge imporperly applies simple procedure to ensure conviction and incarceration of a political enemy. Why have so many attorney generals, from both parties, signed a letter stating their concern over the judge’s flagrant corrpution of the process? Maybe just maybe they understand that the process determines justice not just for this Defendant but for us all.
Comment by Will
Anonymous, if that even is your real name, I ask you again, how many federal judges, in the history of this country, have been impeached and removed from the bench? Care to guess?
Since 1789, a grand total of seven have been impeached and removed from office.
I know you think you have a vast understanding of both the judicial system and American politics because you read blogs, but anyone who thinks Judge Fuller will be removed from office really lacks a grasp on both.
As for the process being corrupted, that has hardly been proven. Do not forget, the defense in Mr. Siegelman’s case was offered a mistrial before the jury ruled. They chose not to take it as they believed the jury was on their side. It was only after the ruling by the jury that suddenly the defense felt that they had been wronged by Judge Fuller.
A hint to all those supporting Don Siegelman: Do not let your loathing of George W. Bush or Karl Rove cloud your judgment. This appeal will be based around the law as it pertains to this case. Arguing that it was politically motivated, at final analysis, will have nothing to do with the outcome.