Mike Hubbard trial: Alabama House speaker continues testimony in own defense

1
9
Mike Hubbard
Mike Hubbard answers questions from defense lawyer David McKnight on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 [Photo Credit: AP, Pool | Todd Van Emst]

The latest on the public corruption trial of House Speaker Mike Hubbard (all times local):

4:50 p.m.

Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard squared off with a state prosecutor over consulting contracts and other money the Republican’s companies received.

Hubbard and prosecutor Matt Hart exchanged testy remarks Wednesday during the first day of a contentious cross-examination at Hubbard’s ethics trial.

Hart questioned Hubbard about $2.3 million his companies received and emails he sent former Gov. Bob Riley, now a lobbyist, seeking help finding a job.

Hart referred to Riley as a lobbyist. Hubbard in his responses referenced Riley as “my friend.”

Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his political positions to obtain $2.3 million in work and investments for his companies. His defense has argued the transactions fall within exemptions for longstanding friendships and normal business dealings.

He returns to the witness stand Thursday.

___

4:00 p.m.

Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard returned to the witness stand in his public corruption trial, denying accusations that he used his office to make money and help his business clients.

Hubbard on Wednesday said he never knowingly violated the ethics law. Hubbard at several points contradicted testimony from prior witnesses.

Hubbard said he had not seen language in a 2013 budget that could have benefited one of his clients until shortly before the House vote. He also denied asking a lobbyist for a $150,000 investment in his printing company.

The Republican said calls to a patent office he made on behalf of another client, the owner of a drinking cup company, was because he was a constituent and employer in his district. The company was also paying Hubbard $10,000 a month. Hubbard said the company hired him because of his connections to college sports.

___

3:35 a.m.

Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard is testifying in his own defense at his ethics trial.

Hubbard will return to the witness stand Wednesday afternoon as he offers jurors his explanation of contracts his companies received and emails he sent seeking work.

Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his political positions to obtain $2.3 million in work and investments for his companies. The Republican speaker testified Tuesday that he took precautions to obey the law and sought input from the director of the state ethics commission before accepting contracts.

The speaker said he sought advice from friends after being laid off and he vented his financial stress in emails to former Gov. Bob Riley.

Prosecutors will get a chance to question Hubbard later.

Republished with permission of The Associated Press.

1 COMMENT

Comments are closed.