|
 Hubbard, a powerful figure in Alabama politics who helped guide
Republicans to majorities in both houses of the state legislature in
2010 for the first time in 136 years, was indicted on Friday on
charges that include using his office for personal gain and
legislating with a conflict of interest.
U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers, a close Hubbard ally and fellow
Republican who represents Lee County, where Hubbard resides, said at
a news conference in Auburn that the indictment was a dirty attempt
to hurt his friend's prospects for a 2018 gubernatorial run.
"It's Chicago-style gutter politics and it's got no place in Lee
County or the state of Alabama," he said.
“Who'd like to be governor in four years?” Rogers asked, in a
question that appeared aimed at Alabama Attorney General Luther
Strange, a Republican who like Hubbard is presumed to hold
gubernatorial ambitions.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, a Republican, is seeking
re-election next month and if successful, would be ineligible to run
again in 2018.
Hubbard, who faces up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine for
each of the charges against him, questioned Strange's role in the
case, despite the attorney general having recused himself months
ago.
"Why does the Attorney General's office think it's a crime to have a
business and that you cannot do business with anyone you did not
know before you took office?" said Hubbard, speaking at the news
conference.
[to top of second column]
|
Hubbard, who is facing re-election next month in a race he is
expected to win, is accused of soliciting favors from a range of
powerful Alabamans, including former Governor Bob Riley, a fellow
Republican, along with several business leaders.
In a statement released after Hubbard's news conference, Strange
said he had recused his office from the case to avoid any appearance
of political motivations.
"Mr. Hubbard is entitled to the presumption of innocence and this
matter will now be handled, as it should be, in the court system,”
Strange said.
(Editing by Jonathan Kaminsky and Mohammad Zargham)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
