Judge to sentence Mike Hubbard ethics case Friday morning
A judge will decide whether former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, once one of the state’s most powerful politicians, will go to prison and if so, for how long. Hubbard is due in court Friday morning for sentencing on 12 counts of violating the state ethics law. A jury convicted Hubbard on charges that he used his office to make money and improperly solicited lobbyists and company executives for investments and jobs. Prosecutors want Hubbard to spend five years in a state prison and another 13 years on supervised release. Hubbard defense lawyer Bill Baxley called the suggested sentence “ridiculously extreme.” Prosecutors argued in their sentence request that Hubbard betrayed the trust of voters and fellow lawmakers. Prosecutors also want Hubbard to pay $1.6 million in fines and restitution. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Prosecutors seek long sentence, hefty fine for Mike Hubbard
Prosecutors say former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard should spend five years in a state prison for breaking the state ethics law. In a brief filed Thursday afternoon, the attorney general’s office asked a judge to give Hubbard an 18-year split sentence. Hubbard would spend five years behind bars and the remaining 13 years under supervised probation. The sentence mirrors the 18 years Hubbard spent in the Alabama Legislature and the five he spent as speaker of the Alabama House. Prosecutors also said Hubbard should be forced to pay $1.6 million in fines and restitution. A judge will sentence Hubbard on July 8. A jury convicted Hubbard on 12 felony ethics violations on June 10. Prosecutors said Hubbard used the power of his office to benefit his businesses. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Jim Zeigler says reversal of Virginia governor’s graft conviction could free Don Siegelman
State Auditor Jim Zeigler said Monday he believes the U.S. Supreme Court‘s decision to overturn a prominent Virginia politician’s criminal conviction could spring former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman as well. Saying Gov. Bob McDonnell was exonerated on charges “very close to what Siegelman was convicted of,” Zeigler said Siegelman — a longtime power broker in Montgomery and around the state — could benefit from procedural aspects of McDonnell’s case. The high court found Monday morning that the jury that convicted McDonnell was instructed incorrectly. Specifically, the court ruled that state prosecutors interpreted a federal bribery statute too broadly, and instructed jurors to deliberate over the decision whether or not to convict McDonnell for something that may not have been technically unlawful at all. The jury was instructed to interpret the term “public acts” to mean almost anything a governor does while in office, including setting up meetings between interests and constituents — precisely what McDonnell was convicted of doing in exchange for personal gifts from a businessman seeking access to public figures. Zeigler sees parallels between McDonnell’s case and Siegelman’s in this regard. Siegelman was convicted for re-appointing a hospital executive named Richard Scrushy to a state board that in part regulates hospitals, after Scrushy raised some $500,000 for a state lottery referendum at Siegelman’s request. In doing so, under one reading of the precedent set by the McDonnell case, Siegelman may have simply carried out a “public act” in accordance with his office, one not subject to the harsh scrutiny set out under federal bribery laws. Zeigler’s comments come amid a movement of activists in Alabama and beyond to free Seigelman. In April, more than 100 former state attorneys general from across the country asked President Barack Obama to pardon the former governor. In January the U.S. Supreme Court denied to hear an appeal from Siegelman, making a presidential pardon his last hope to reduce his sentence, aside from Monday’s high court ruling. On Facebook, the group “Free Don Siegelman” has gained 2,800 supporters and counting, including Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who all support Siegelman’s release. The recent conviction of House Speaker Mike Hubbard, Zeigler opined, would not be affected by the recent McDonnell decision.
Acting Speaker Victor Gaston will not run to succeed Mike Hubbard
The fallout from Speaker Mike Hubbard‘s decline and fall from atop Alabama’s state government continued this week. Acting House Speaker Victor Gaston, widely speculated to be a candidate to replace his erstwhile superior, announced Wednesday evening he will not run in an upcoming special election to replace Hubbard. “After careful thought and much prayerful consideration, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for Speaker of the House when the Alabama Legislature convenes again,” said Gaston, a Republican from Mobile. “While I am deeply grateful to the constituents, colleagues, friends, and family who have encouraged me to seek the job, I do not feel God calling me in that direction,” Gaston continued. The Speaker Pro Tem added that he would continue to direct his energies toward representing his House District 100, rather than focusing on taking the reins as Speaker. “In my remaining time as Acting Speaker, I will work to ensure that the daily administrative functions of the House operate smoothly and that the body continues to have a steady hand guiding its course through sometimes turbulent waters,” said Gaston. Gov. Robert Bentley has declared that a special election will be held on Sept. 13 to replace Hubbard in the Legislature.
Robert Bentley sets Sept. 13 special election for Mike Hubbard’s vacated seat
Governor Robert Bentley released Friday the timeline for a special election to replace convicted House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. If a primary election is needed for Lee County’s House District 79 seat, party members will cast their votes Tuesday, Sept. 13, according to a news release from the governor’s office. If a primary runoff is needed, it will take place Nov. 29 and the special general election will be Feb. 7, 2017. Major party candidates will have to qualify with their respective parties by July 14. Third-party and independent candidates have to file the necessary paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State by Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. Hubbard was automatically removed from office after being convicted of 12 felony ethics violations on June 10. He will be sentenced July 8, where he faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $30,000 for each count. House Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston is currently filling the Speaker’s role until a new Speaker is elected when the House is next in session.
Convicted former Speaker Mike Hubbard’s name removed from state legislature website
Former House Speaker Mike Hubbard‘s name has been removed from the Alabama Legislature’s website in the wake of his conviction on ethics charges. A jury convicted Hubbard Friday evening on 12 felony ethics charges. The felony convictions caused Hubbard’s automatic and immediate removal from office. The Legislature’s website was updated to remove Hubbard’s name as the leader of the House of Representatives. His legislative district is listed as vacant in the roster of members. House Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston is fulfilling the speaker’s duties. A spokesman for the House of Representatives says the site was updated Monday to reflect the change. A judge will sentence Hubbard on July 8 Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Mike Hubbard’s marred legacy reflected in petition to scrub name from street
Just days after disgraced House Speaker Mike Hubbard received the wound of his political life by way of 12 convictions for public corruption, some Alabama activists are trying apply some salt. A new petition has emerged on MoveOn.org to remove his name from a street in Opelika currently called “Mike Hubbard Boulevard” and rename it “Cam Newton Run,” in a nod to one of Auburn University’s most famous alums, star NFL quarterback Cam Newton. The street runs from the intersection of Glenn Avenue and Bent Creek Road near exit 57, which leads to Auburn University Regional Airport, where thousands of students, alums, and parents travel each year to attend school or athletic events. “Let’s capture the Auburn spirit while depoliticizing an expected rename,” reads the petition’s headline, posted by a user known simply as Auburn Alum. “With exit 57 serving as a prominent gateway to Auburn fans, prospective students, opponents and the like, ‘Cam Newton Run’ recognizes one of Auburn’s most famous graduates and athletes who has served as a prominent and effective ambassador for Auburn both on and off the field. This rename also serves as a way to depoliticize what may be considered by many in this community to be a painful yet imminent name change,” the appeal reads. “WDE and thanks for the support,” the petition concludes, referring to the school’s unofficial war chant, “War Damn Eagle.” At press time, the petition had gathered nearly 900 signatures in just two days. It has a goal of 1,000 signatures. If successful, the petition will be delivered to Auburn Mayor Bill Ham. Then there’s the Mike Hubbard Center for Advanced Science, Innovation and Commerce at Auburn’s main campus, which houses researchers across six scientific disciplines and is a major landmark on campus. School officials there may also consider name changes. “Naming of campus facilities is a multi-step process that ends with a decision by the Auburn Board (of Trustees),” Auburn University director of public affairs Brian Keeter told AL.com. “Auburn will consider all information and make a determination at the appropriate time.” The idea of renaming the street after Newton has picked up significant traction from fans of the Carolina Panthers, Newton’s home in the NFL. The potential plans to scrub Hubbard from the public consciousness of Alabama continues the precipitous decline and fall for the longtime lawmaker. In just a year’s time, Hubbard has gone from the pinnacle of power in both the Alabama statehouse and the state Republican Party to a reviled figure in many circles, even among his own partisans. Hubbard said late last week he is still “in shock” over the dozen convictions he was slapped with over attempting to sell political influence and enrich himself and his allies using the levers of state government, and says he intends to appeal.
Mike Hubbard: Working to come to terms with ethics trial verdicts, maintains his innocence
The former speaker of the Alabama House of Representative said he is leaving politics with his head held high and working to come to terms with the ethics conviction that removed him from office. The statement to The Associated Press was Mike Hubbard‘s first public comment since his conviction Friday on ethics charges. He also maintained his innocence. “My family and I are working to come to terms with the disappointing verdicts, and I continue to steadfastly maintain my innocence. We have every confidence that the coming appeals process will be successful,” Hubbard said. A jury found Hubbard guilty on 12 charges that he wrongly solicited consulting contracts and investments and used his office to benefit his businesses and clients. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The convictions resulted in Hubbard’s automatic removal from office. The former speaker thanked the people of his Auburn district for allowing him to represent them for the last 18 years. “It has been an honor that I will always remember and hold close to my heart no matter what the future may hold,” Hubbard said. Hubbard’s removal from office adds to ongoing political turmoil in Alabama involving GOP leaders in all three branches of government. A House Judiciary Committee holds its first meeting Wednesday on calls to impeach Gov. Robert Bentley following a sex-tinged scandal involving a former aide. Chief Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore is suspended from office and faces possible ouster over accusations that he violated judicial ethics during the fight about same-sex marriage. Hubbard was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1998. As state GOP chairman, he spearheaded Republicans’ 2010 successful offensive to win control of the Legislature for the first time in 136 years. The Auburn Republican said he hoped the accomplishments of the Alabama Legislature during the six years under his leadership would not be overshadowed. Hubbard said he was proud of the legislature’s record on education, job creation and other issues. Prosecutors in closing arguments to the jury depicted Hubbard as a politician who put a “For Sale” sign on his office and used the power and prestige of his position to make money and benefit his businesses. Defense lawyers argued the transactions involved legitimate business dealings or requests to longtime friends, and members of the Legislature must be able to earn a living. Hubbard in his statement said it is “a scary and dangerous” precedent if it is, “impossible for citizen-legislators to serve in public office.” “I now take leave of the political arena with my head held high and with eternal thanks for the unconditional love of my wife, Susan, and Clayte and Riley, the two fine young men we have raised together,” Hubbard said. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Reactions to the Mike Hubbard guilty verdicts
A jury found Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard guilty on 12 of 23 felony ethics charges Friday. He was acquitted on the other charges. Here’s what Alabama lawmakers and government officials are saying of the guilty verdicts. Governor Robert Bentley (via a news release): “Alabama is strong because our people are strong. As leaders we were placed here to serve our people and that is exactly what we are going to continue to do. God has assigned us to this task, and we will work hard to honor Him. I have the utmost confidence in the men and women of the Alabama Legislature. We will all continue working together to solve the real problems facing our state and to help Alabamians. We will pass a balanced budget that funds essential state services, create well-paying jobs and care for our sick, our elderly and our children. No matter how difficult the challenge, the people of this state will know we are working hard every day to serve them.” Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey: “The verdict reached by twelve Lee County jurors brings finality to a lengthy legal process that has impacted our state government and public trust. I pray that Mike, his wife Susan, and their sons will be strengthened and supported through the uncertainties of this difficult time. I respect the jury’s hard work and accept their findings. It is not easy to sit in judgment and these jurors did their duty as citizens of Alabama. One of our basic founding principles is the safeguard that due process affords to protect individual freedoms when justice is administered. The rule of Law and the right to a trial by jury has helped maintain our democracy for more than two centuries. The consistency of our legal system in treating everyone as an equal before the Law will continue to sustain us now and in the future. I believe in the rule of law, Alabama and her people. I know that our best days are ahead of us.” Attorney General Luther Strange (via news release): “This is a good day for the rule of law in our state. This kind of result would never have been achieved had our office not put together the finest public corruption unit in the country. I’m very proud of their work. This should send a clear message that in Alabama we hold public officials accountable for their actions.” State Representative Jack Williams (statement to Alabama Today): “This is a sad day for Alabama and a sad say for Speaker Hubbard, his family and friends. We operate under the rule of law and the House will continue to move forward under new leadership. I urge all Alabamians to join me in praying for Mike, Susan and his sons during this very difficult time and to pray for our state government for wisdom and guidance as we move through this situation.” State Representative Will Ainsworth (via his Facebook page): “As a freshman legislator, I have worked hard to bring a new mindset to state government — a mindset that doesn’t operate in the shadows of backroom deals or rely upon the politics of the past. It’s disappointing when anyone succumbs to the temptations that Montgomery offers, and when a leader is the one who strays, that disappointment is magnified tenfold. All elected officials must be mindful of the words in Proverbs 11:28, “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Acting House Speaker and Speaker Pro Tem Victor Gaston (via news release): “The Alabama House is not defined by the actions of any one member, it is defined by the motto that appears on the wall of our Chamber, “Vox Populi,” which means “Voice of the People.” This incident, no matter how regrettable, offers strong proof that the ethics reforms passed by the Legislature in 2010 remain among the toughest in the nation. I know that every House member, regardless of party, will keep Mike Hubbard and his family in our prayers as he begins this next, most difficult chapter in his life.” Decatur-Republican, House Majority Leader Micky Hammon (via news release): “While today is a sad one for those of us who served with Mike Hubbard, it is also one that reaffirms the fact that our justice system is an impartial one. The Alabama House will move past this chapter in its history and remain committed to the guiding conservative principles that the majority of our members hold close to their hearts. Issues like fiscal responsibility, growing our economy, improving education, and fighting unnecessary federal intrusion into the lives of Alabamians will continue to be our highest priorities.” House Minority Leader Craig Ford: “This is a dark day for Alabama. Mike Hubbard led Republicans to a supermajority on a platform of cleaning up corruption in Montgomery. But instead of cleaning up corruption, Mike Hubbard and the Republican leadership in all three branches of our government have embraced corruption. They have forgotten they are supposed to serve the people, and not the other way around.” Alabama Republican Assembly (via news release): The Alabama Republican Assembly would like to thank the twelve members of the jury in Lee County for their role in our judicial system and holding public officials accountable for their actions. These men and women found House Speaker Mike Hubbard guilty of twelve felony charges relating to political corruption and abuse of power. These jury members displayed a conviction that was lacking in our state legislature, which voted to keep Mike Hubbard as Speaker despite the 23 indictments and previous findings disclosed by an audit of the Alabama Republican Party. The Alabama Republican Assembly hopes that integrity can be restored to this office with the election of a new Republican Speaker that is free of any affiliation with the unethical acts of the previous administration. A Speaker that will stand steadfastly for conservative Alabama values and against the corrupting influences of organized gambling, special interest lobbyists, and corrupt politicians. We
The shortlist of who could replace ousted House Speaker Mike Hubbard
After seven hours of deliberation and a 13-day trial, a Lee County jury found Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard guilty of 12 felony charges of using his government position for personal gain. A verdict that automatically removes him from office and paves the way for a special Speaker election. In the interim, while the seat remains vacant, Mobile Republican and Speaker Pro Tem Rep. Victor Gaston becomes acting speaker under state law and House rules. He will serve in this role for the “foreseeable future,” until a new Speaker is elected, according to a release from the Speaker’s office. Here are five Republicans who could ultimately replace Hubbard: Phil Williams District: House District 6 County: Limestone County, Madison County Williams has already expressed interest in the position, “I will make the move, when I feel there is broad support for the move,” Williams said in February of going after the Speakership. The statement, and subsequent move of counting potential votes, ultimately cost him his leadership position. “Yeah, I’m no longer a chairman,” Williams explains. “I was one of Speaker Hubbard’s leaders on his leadership team. He’s removed me as chairman of the Technology and Research Committee.” Click “2” below to see who else is on our short list.
Lawyers make final remarks in Mike Hubbard ethics trial
Lawyers will make their final remarks to jurors in the ethics trial of Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard. A prosecutor and defense lawyer will finish closing arguments Friday morning. The jury is expected to begin deliberations later in the day. Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his political positions to obtain business and investment for his companies. Hubbard has maintained his innocence. State prosecutor Michael Duffy told jurors Thursday that Hubbard put a “for sale” sign on his public office as he obtained consulting contracts for tens of thousands of dollars. Defense lawyer Lance Bell said in closing arguments Thursday that Hubbard did not break the law and prosecutors presented nothing that proves he did. If convicted, Hubbard will be automatically removed from office. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Mike Hubbard trial day 12: Defense rests case, closing arguments begin
After nearly three weeks of testimony from witnesses including high-profile names such as Gov. Robert Bentley, former Gov. Bob Riley, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, the defense rested its case against Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard Thursday morning after calling but one witness — Hubbard himself. Hubbard spent little more than an hour Thursday morning testifying, hoping to prove his innocence. Early Thursday, prosecutor Matt Hart brought up an email Hubbard sent to Michael Mitchell, a Publix representative, asking to set up a meeting about Capitol Cups – a company Hubbard had a consulting contract with that paid $10,000 a month. In the email, Hart told the courtroom that Hubbard called Capital Cups a constituent and even signed the email with his Alabama House Speaker title. The defense argued this was an automatically generated email signature. Hart prodded Hubbard, asking if he mentioned in the email to Mitchell that he was working as a consultant for Capital Cups. “No sir. Didn’t think it was relevant,” Hubbard replied. Hubbard went on to testify that Mitchell was a friend who sadly died a few years ago of an aneurysm. Hart quickly pointed out that Mitchell must not have been that good of a friend, as he just spoke with him a few days ago. “Well I must have him confused with someone else,” Hubbard explained to the courtroom. That was the last thing he was asked on the stand. Closing arguments got underway in Hubbard’s trial shortly before 3 p.m. with the Deputy Attorney General Mike Duffy presenting for the prosecution and finishing in roughly an hour and a half. Duffy’s main argument was Hubbard’s actions clearly violated the Alabama Ethics Law, saying that Hubbard “knew where the line was, and he crossed it.” “The cornerstone of the ethics law is that public officials should not be able to make money off their offices,” said Duffy. Hubbard “diminished the integrity of our government … because he wanted to make some money,” Duffy continued arguing that while chair of the Alabama Republican Party Hubbard intentionally directed business to his companies Craftmaster Printers and the Auburn Network. “What matters is he asked for something he’s not allowed to ask for, and he took things he’s not allowed to take,” Duffy said before he asked the jury to told Hubbard accountable. “I’m going to ask you to find this defendant accountable and find him guilty,” he said. Next attorney Lance Bell began the closing arguments for the defense, where he made it roughly 45 minutes of the allotted two hours. He will wrap-up Friday morning. Hubbard was indicted in October 2013 on 23 felony ethics charges of using his political office for personal gain. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years incarceration and fines of up to $30,000 for each count. He would be removed from office if convicted of any of the 23 charges. Hubbard has since maintained his innocence and continued to serve as Speaker of the Alabama House during the 2016 legislative session.
