"It smacks of politics, there was no crime involved, and it needs to be investigated for the sake of justice." said Don Siegelman in an exclusive interview with CBS 42’s Stephen Hauck Thursday afternoon.
He vows to continue his fight.
"Unless the legal issue is clarified, then all politicians and every contributor is subject to being prosecuted." Siegelman said.
Siegelman is talking about accusations that he accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars for his lottery campaign from former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy, with promises of appointing Scrushy to the state health board.
But, Siegelman says no evidence was ever shown to prove an expressed quid pro quo deal took place.
"There has to be evidence that someone said, (Stephen), I'll give you this money if you'll appoint me to this board, and you say that's a deal, I'll take the money, and I'll appoint you." said Siegelman.
Now he’s asking for a new trial.
He believes the testimony of the government's key witness was scripted and coerced.
"He was made to write his testimony down in a notebook until he got it the way prosecutors wanted him to say it in court." said Siegelman.
He also contends his federal bribery prosecution came at the direction of top ranking Washington Republicans.
In addition to his request for a new trial, Siegelman is hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will hear his case.
But, there's also a 3rd option that could help clear his name.
Siegelman is hopeful that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will use his power to drop the conviction, just as he did in the case of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska.
"Eric Holder stepped in and said we cannot let this conviction stand, the government had withheld evidence." Siegelman said.
It should be noted, in their response to the federal judge, prosecutors deny the claims of coaching their key witness or giving him a script, saying, preparing a witness to testify is not misconduct.
They also said no politicians or Department of Justice officials pressured them regarding any aspect of the case.
