adn.com | Alaska Politics Blog : Kohring morning (UPDATED: Video, part one)

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Kohring morning (UPDATED: Video, part one)

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: June 30, 2008 - 8:27 am

UPDATE:

Kohring arrived at the courthouse a little after 10 a.m.

U.S. Marshal Randy Johnson said he'll be transferred to a local jail - wearing handcuffs, a waist chain and leg irons -- by the end of the day.

Then, Kohring stands to stay in the jail for days or weeks, depending on when the next flight of federal prisoners goes to Seattle, where he'll wait some more to be transferred to California.

If Kohring has to wait for a long time at the federal courthouse, the Marshals will buy him lunch.

The video above is the first raw feed clip from this morning. Kohring talks about his family, and running on adrenaline and two hours sleep. Next, I'll post another video, where I ask Kohring if he's seeing any middle fingers, about all the buzz his haircut generated at the sentencing, and a clip of the pickup truck heckler.

Kohring, along the Glenn Highway, this morning: Stephen Nowers/ADN

ORIGINAL POST:

From Kyle Hopkins in Anchorage -

Just got back from the Eklutna exit on the Glenn Highway, where Vic Kohring is waving to the whooshing flood of commuters next to a giant "THANKS ALASKA" sign.

Later this morning, Kohring expects to turn himself in to the U.S. Marshals. He said he's not scared of going to prison, but has been Googling the Southern California facility he'll live in for up to 3 and a half years. He could rattle off the population of the nearby town and the high temperature last week (103 degrees).

Said he might write an autobiography while in jail, call it "Absolutely Innocent." Plans to read a lot. Write a lot of letters.

Questions about whether he has regrets or made mistakes didn't really go anywhere. Kohring maintains he's innocent and was railroaded and framed.

As he waved, drivers often honked at Kohring, who was holding a cup of hot chocolate and eating cookies he said his sister baked for him. A semi sounded its horn. Passengers in commuter vans waved back.

A few people gave him the finger, and at one point a guy in a pick-up sped by with a bullhorn. "Go to jail!" he yelled. Later he came back, parked on the frontage road and yelled some more. Kohring motioned that he couldn't hear what the guy was saying. Kohring said the supporters far outnumbered the haters.

He said he spent the weekend with his family, and has been doing things like stopping mail to his mail box and closing his bank account. Packing.

"It's almost like going away on a vacation. A .... Government sponsored vacation," he said.

Note: Check back later for some road-side video.

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78 July 9, 2008 - 7:25pm | rfn

On the positive side,

Mr. Kohring's jail time is underway and will ebb away.

Already, it is reliably reported, a women's "Republican" organization in Wasilla is in contact with him. Setting the stage for him to, upon his release, run against Linda Menard in an attempt to "win back" Lyda's (former) seat.

Also it has been reported that the sign Mr. Kohring used in his "farewell" along the highway was a recycled campaign board from a recently terminated run. One must wonder whether it was an act of charitable recycling or whether the used sign was given to him as a sort of pre-campaign contribution. He will be back and he will be a factor in valley politics....perhaps even offering advice to his long-time supporters through what surely will be very welcome collect calls.

Rumor today that a heated meeting of a Valley political conclave remains split over what to do with the (former) Lyda Green signs. Apparently have ruled out using them in the State Senatorial campaign for either candidate. Now torn between trying to convert them to Don Young messages or just keep them for Kohring's return/campaign. Division seems to follow age lines.....a sort of generational thing.

77 June 30, 2008 - 11:35pm | Paine

Wow...

I'm always amazed at the cursing and attacks on this comment area. I have never spoke to Vic but I've seen him in the cold waving for those votes. I can honestly say I wasn't impressed by anything he said/did during this trial either. That includes his last statement here about the government vacation. It's bad enough he was caught ON TAPE in the worst of conditions, still didn't confess and here he is to remind us we're paying for his government vacation. It's not funny and actually shows a real lack of any intelligent thought process. And then he stands on the road to wave good bye? I hope for his sake he doesn't come back to Alaska until he owns up to his mistakes.

76 June 30, 2008 - 11:17pm | anchoragecrime

Again why do Alaska criminals not pick up trash

Criminals in other cities pick up trash or clear trails or even do work release labor.
We outsource prisoners, yet insource productive summer labor. Are there so many criminals here that our populists are criminals too?

anchoragecrime.com

July 1, 2008 - 9:57am | LilysDaddy

July 1, 2008 - 9:56am | LilysDaddy

No one, anchoragecrime,

is responding to your post for one simple reason: it makes no sense.

Vic is being sent to federal prison in California. So your question about picking up Alaska trash is, oh, how to say it? irrelevant.

Further, what does "there are so many criminals here that our populists are criminals too" mean?

Really: what does that mean?

Clear communication makes for civil discourse.

75 June 30, 2008 - 11:02pm | bumsonfire

This guy needs a doctor

I think we're sending a man to prison when what he really needs is to go to a psychiatric facility where he can get some help. Meanwhile, I hope he's out of the news for a while.

74 June 30, 2008 - 10:13pm | akvinnie

Hey Mister can you spare a few pence!

In Charles Dickens classic "Oliver" the price for a bribe was cheap. In the Vic Kohring days in the legislature the price for his vote was cheap.

It is amazeing reading many of the blog comments. I think because Vic had people believe he was a religious conservative instead of just an economic opportunist they pray for him while others who get convicted of felony crimes can all rot in hell or excuse me jail.

One can only wonder what Jesus would have thought of selling Alaska's future's by selling public policy to the lowest bidder at the cheapest price?

My many Thanks to the F.B.I. for a job well done. Keep up the good work. There are many more convictions still to come.

July 6, 2008 - 6:30pm | Sheridan_Sheraton

The Legislature was running

The Legislature was running a discount for big oil tax plan while at the same time (or at least in '05) they had plans to tap the permanent fund on a POMV plan where they could spend it now.

And in '05 they used up the Amerada Hess Fund, which was set aside as legal fees in the case of a dispute of what was owed to the PFD. Wow- the fed stepped in just in time- as there would have been no resources to fight big oil's lawyers.

There needs to be many more convictions.

July 6, 2008 - 6:39pm | rfn

Be patient

overdressed (for Alaska) men with short haircuts have been observed in neighborhoods North of Eagle River. Astute viewers note their rather plain late model vehicles tend to be kept immaculately clean at all times. These folks do not seem to be distributing religious tracts.

July 9, 2008 - 1:14am | Sheridan_Sheraton

Haircuts

Before I left I got a haircut from rednecks in the bar.

When they went after me wit a swiss army knife I asked the bartender for a pair of scissirs to be in the spirit of cooperation.

It still seems easier to tye it back than to see something like Vic' coiffe on my head.

July 9, 2008 - 10:23am | rfn

The haircuts

on the suit-tie dressed guys with the shiny black shoes and shiny solid color cars with federal plates seemed to have been done by professionals.

73 June 30, 2008 - 9:49pm | mike45

cards up their sleeves

Vic is in the Graybar for years for taking a little money. How much money has McCain taken from big oil this year? Must be legal, surely isn't influencing him, right?

June 30, 2008 - 10:53pm | LilysDaddy

Huh?

What does this article on the last few hours of freedom for Vic Kohring have to do with John McCain?

Vic Kohring is going to federal prison not, as you try to spin it, "for taking a little money."

He's going to prison for requesting and accepting bribes in violation of his oath of office and violating the trust of the people of Alaska.

Please don't attempt any moral or political relativism with the voters of Alaska. We all have Vic pegged for exactly what he is.

June 30, 2008 - 10:06pm | rickra

McCain?

Get real! 'Big Oil' is contributing to any & everyone running for office. Now both Bush’s (both Georges) and Chaney that’s different...THEY ARE BIG OIL! What is happening here is just some 'sleazy' Alaska local politics and the bad theater it generates! White Keys & the Fly by Night would be making capital on this!

72 June 30, 2008 - 9:29pm | MeMyself

I kinda feel sorry for him.

I think he is just a nice guy who did a bad thing. Dont we all ?

July 1, 2008 - 6:16am | effincloaca

Yes, I too am crying salty tears for him

But then I remember that the Menendez brothers begged for mercy on the basis of being orphans.....

....all better now...*sniff*...

Bye, Vic. You crook.

July 1, 2008 - 5:48pm | lecjb

Ha!

I'd forgotten that joke about the Menendez brothers!

July 1, 2008 - 1:09am | AlaskanTony

Ya Know

Yeah. But.... He represented us in the legislature because we trusted him to do the right thing. When he took money, through greed or ignorance, he betrayed that trust. He really needs to go to jail, and he really needs to get a different vocation on release.

June 30, 2008 - 10:31pm | jabrusii

I whole heartedly agree. A

I whole heartedly agree. A picture truly is worth a thousand words.

June 30, 2008 - 10:32pm | jabrusii

71 June 30, 2008 - 9:07pm | Talkradio

It's easy to kick a man when he's down

Vic never should have been asking Bill Allen for money. I think it was the knife in the Guilty Heart when they had it on video. What jury would not convict on that??

A Politician getting a hand full of cash in a dimly lit hotel room from a rich oil man... Geeeez, movies are made of that stuff.

I think Vic got money from Uncle Bill now and then. Why? He knew he could. There are appropriate civil/ethical penalties that would have covered Vic’s actions.

We may never know what started the FBI investigating Alaska corruption (Ray Metcalf would like for it to be because of him), but Vic stumbled right in the middle of it.

Can you imagine what the FBI thought when they had it on tape? They probably re-ran it 10 times not believing what they had. Did Vic do wrong? Probably. Not 3.5 yrs wrong. Maybe 6 months to 1yr.

What troubles me is: Judge Sedwick. There is not one of you Vic haters out there who would have wanted Judge Sedwick if you were Vic.

You know the Judges wife and Vic had it out for each other. If the truth was known, Debbie Sedwick probably thought Vic was a piece of crap. That's not a crime. But it might be a conflict for her husband if pillow talk is involved?

The Judge should have let another Judge have this case. The Judicial question is: "Is there an appearance of a conflict?" Of course there was Judge.

I know it’s easy to kick a man when he’s down… but just thought I give my thoughts. Good luck Vic serve your time and all will be fine.

What court holds the Judge's accountable? Your Honor, where do I go to get my reputation back?

Eddie Burke
KBYR
2-5 Weekdays

July 1, 2008 - 2:58am | bigrange

Good response, Eddie

And I appreciated you when you ran the Fairview gas station, too. The judge absolutely had no right to hold opinion over Vic, but I believe that this issue is separate from Vic's guilt from taking bribes. Any Alaskan sourdough is aware of how things work here, and Vic was just working within the system the way that he understood that it should work. Alaskans are fond of saying "this is how we do things in Alaska, and if you don't like it, then go back to the lower 48," and Vic is truly an Alaskan. And if his constituents didn't like it, then why did they continue to vote him back in office, term after term? The judge is just as guilty of abrogating his duties as was the man that he sentenced to prison. And if you don't believe that people can hold a grudge for 8 years, then you don't have a clue.

June 30, 2008 - 11:00pm | palmerbuyer

Eddie......

I think a lot of folks are 'assuming' that the Judge knew about any sort of problem between Debbie and Vic. I doubt it very much.

My gut tells me that Vic saw Debbie at the hearing, told the high priced lawyer, and they used that as a red herring. Sedwick is NOT a common name, and Alaska political circles are small. (Notice the lawyer is gone now that Vic's money is gone.) Vic was looking for ANY excuse. He still can't accept his own actions got him in trouble. IT HAS TO BE SOMEONE ELSE!! The 'must have been some other dude' theory.

I don't see Debbie (or anyone else quite frankly) carrying a grudge for 8 years, hoping Vic commits a FEDERAL crime and gets arrested, planning on her husband getting the case, and THEN convincing him, a respected Federal Judge to be unfair. I think you'll find that Debbie forgot about what happened -- because other legislators were doing similar things for the camera. Arrogance is not just for republicans. AND you need to remember that she ended up with a BETTER job.

Vic has always thought everybody had him in their sights.
I guess it proves the old saw that 'just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that someone isn't out to get you'. In this case, Vic was his own worst enemy. He 'GOT' himself.

As far as 'witnesses' to Vic using the phrase 'what can I do to help you', character witnesses are not appropriate at that stage of a trial. At sentencing, yes. But what they had to testify to had NO relationship to the crime he was accused of. Again, a red herring.

Vic still hasn't accepted responsibility for his own actions. (Is this a 'vast LEFT wing conspiracy', rather than a 'RIGHT wing conspiracy' ala Hilliary?)

And one more thing: The Judge is not ALLOWED to defend himself. He cannot comment without there being a TRUE conflict of interest. Rumors and innuendoes didn't help Vic, and it won't help to encourage justice in the future. Since there is no proof of Vic's fantasy, you need to give the judge the benefit of the doubt.

Vic got caught. The others got caught. Only Tommy Anderson has had the guts to stand up and 'take it like a man'. No excuses, but an apology to his friends and constituents.

There are always going to be defendants who say they were framed. If they repeat it often enough, they might even believe it.

Vic needs to take responsibility for his own actions.

There is an old story about a new lawyer being taught by an old lawyer what to emphasize in his cases:

If you have the law on your side, hammer on the judge.

If you have the facts on your side, hammer on the jury.

And if you have neither........ hammer on the table.

June 30, 2008 - 11:22pm | Talkradio

Srep away...

Let me ask you this. Would you have liked this judge if you were Vic? Would we be having this conversation if the Judge would have stepped aside? Was it really that important he hear this case?

Why not eliminate all PERCEPTIONS and step away?

Eddie

July 2, 2008 - 7:21am | truthseeker

You are right eddie............

and what made it so obvious (and stupid) is that she showed up in court on the day he was convicted to sit there and watch and rub salt in the wound. How many other trials of hubby do you think she attends? Maybe how about zero?

However, it is disturbing Vic still doesns't get that he has done something wrong, but I guess that is a politician's disease. Just like Les Gara trying to justify asking for campaign cash while the legislature was in session right after giving a speech saying asking for money while in session was wrong.

Now he has tainted every democratic party candidate who took that money. He could just have admitted he was wrong, given the money back and it probably would have gone away.

Instead ala Vic he goes on this circular reasoning jag trying to justify it because the republicans had a dinner in juneau and invited legislators. When are these guys going to get it?

July 1, 2008 - 10:57pm | palmerbuyer

Eddie......

I hope I would be honest with MYSELF re my failings and screwups. Lord knows I'm not perfect, BUT I know the difference between a bribe and a gift, although Vic doesn't appear to.

The perception of evil is often worse than the evil itself.

I'm also hoping I would be smart enough to know that no matter how much Law and Order I've watched, I do not have a license to practice law or give legal opinions.

All I'm saying is that we do not know the whole story. Vic is the only one thowing stones and the judge CANNOT answer back. Rumor and innuendo. Spreading it is worse than 'starting' the rumor.

Whether I agree with a judge's decision or not, as long as THE LAW was followed, the decision will not be overturned.

I'd love to hear from a lawyer for their 'take' on the situation.

June 30, 2008 - 9:32pm | gcp

Well put, Eddie

I agree with everything that you just said. 3 1/2 years was excessive given the magnitude of the offense and Judge Sedwick absolutely should have recused himself. Judicial accountability seems to be a difficult thing to monitor and enforce in this land. You are in a position to make some noise about these issues and maybe you can get the right peoples' attention.

June 30, 2008 - 9:09pm | Cartman3_15

Jail is inappropriate

punishment for these guys.

They should all have to serve their sentences in very public community service in their districts. It's proper shame, and it's proper compensation to the wronged. And it isn't a further financial burden on taxpayers.

70 June 30, 2008 - 8:46pm | SAILOR2007

Dunderhead!

What a perfect description! He is a Dunderhead. What in the hell was he trying to accomplish? I'm surprised someone didn't run his Dunderhead ass over.

69 June 30, 2008 - 8:37pm | wilson1

Dunderhead

100 percent dunderhead. Proved it over and over again throughout the trial as he constantly sought out the news camera to say
one dunderhead statement after another.

But let's not forget the good exec's in the oil patch who couldn't stand to have it any way but their way.

68 June 30, 2008 - 8:33pm | kittyroadkill

hey valleyguy.....

you don't know if some of us were in office or not, pot calling kettle black...... why don't you back off back back back back off.

we dont have to run for office in order to have an opinion. we pay our taxes and it is our god given right to speak out about corrupt scum.... so kohring happens to fall into this catergory, no ones fault but his own. now why don't you run along and let us express our opinion WITHOUT you commenting and belittling EVERY SINGLE FREAKIN COMMENT.

67 June 30, 2008 - 8:18pm | captainelectron

Farewell for now Vic

Godspeed through this tribulation my friend. The Collectivist scum in Juneau have been busy emulating the Chavez government and we need you back. You are a true hero and you have my utmost admiration. Thank you for your amazing strength through this persecution.

July 1, 2008 - 1:15am | AlaskanTony

Damm Dude

We need to discuss this. Put the beer down and step away! -3336

66 June 30, 2008 - 8:12pm | valleyguy

Who among you

would EVER run for public office? I'm serious! Not ONE of you would EVER put your neck on the line. Because you do not have the BALLS!

June 30, 2008 - 11:27pm | Valley_Trash

Pardon?

First I just hope no one confuses you the "Valleyguy" with me "Valley_Trash". With that said I will take your little challenge and call you out on this one. I myself decided 5 years ago that my aim is to run for office and I do have the balls to do so. I have no agenda other than to do the right thing, I don't need the money as I live within my means, I have no high class friends to impress and my party hasn't even been classified yet...label me common guy for common sense. I've grown tired of status quo and moreso of quid pro quo, when the time is right I will be there ready to serve if elected. I'm no politician by any stretch of the word but I do know when someone needs to stand up rather than just complain while sitting on their haunches. This isn't a joke and I am not a crack pot blowing smoke, things are broke in the valley and I will be ready soon pending the completion of previous commitments, i.e a 20+ year career.

TNP

July 2, 2008 - 2:49pm | seewhy

trash

immediate questions you will be asking yourself, as a third party candidate:
1. will i be stealing votes from the republican or the democrat in the race? could be important in a close contest, and it's more likely to be close these days, considering the state of the GOP.
2. do i have a chance at five percent, in order to get recognition and inclusion on future ballots for the new party? or will i settle for two percent, or half a percent?

June 30, 2008 - 10:23pm | rickra

run for public office?

Are you kidding? The SECOND OLDEST PROFESSION! Balls? Valleyguy... what are you talking about?...most guys in local office couldn't hold down a real job! Are YOU a Politian?

June 30, 2008 - 9:00pm | SAILOR2007

The real question should be...

Who in their right mind would run for public office to represent valley trash? Oh yeah, your'e right. Vic had balls... big enough balls to get caught with his hand out.

June 30, 2008 - 9:05pm | Cartman3_15

Last time I looked

there was an awful lot of trash in Anchorage, too.

64 June 30, 2008 - 7:13pm | wile_coyote

U.S Marshall's will buy the poor sap lunch...

And Vic claims he is innocent. Well, now let me tell you that Vic's guilty a$$ belongs in prison ! He, can start his frivolous career of wasting our time, and let the powers that be in the Federal Detainees is concerned, his frivolous lawsuits is just that. FRIVOLOUS !!!

June 30, 2008 - 8:15pm | valleyguy

Run for office.

Of course you won't. Because you are chicken. Bak. Bak bak bak.

63 June 30, 2008 - 6:25pm | LilysDaddy

"Wonkette,"

the D.C. gossip site, has a rather interesting interpretation of Vic's conviction, saying he "...got caught in some Ted Stevens’ scam."

Does she know something we don't? Hmmm.

62 June 30, 2008 - 6:11pm | Stumpy10

Vic

Well, 'da Nile' ain't just a river in Egypt.

Another sell-out from the MOST corrupt legislature in America heads off to a justly deserved prison term.

How embarrassing for Alaska.

If Vic and the other crooks within the Legislature had any sense they would have made more money as individual Alaskans from not giving away Alaska's resources to the worlds biggest corporations. Alaska has trillions of dollars of resources on the North Slope (worth millions to each Alaskan) they were selling us out for hundred dollar bribes.

June 30, 2008 - 7:22pm | wile_coyote

Da Nile or D.E.N.I.A.L.

Vic cannot comprehend his short comings and the exact words of, "Don't even know I am lying" ring a bell to this poor numb skull.

61 June 30, 2008 - 5:54pm | wats910

I feel sorry for him

I think I'll start a website to sell t-shirts and ball caps and thongs that say, "FREE V!" And maybe he can make an Amazon wish list and ask people to buy books for him. Yeah ... good idea!

June 30, 2008 - 6:31pm | LilysDaddy

Maybe

Vic and Mechele Linehan could become pen-pals and, you know, exchange ideas on selling merchandise and building that Amazon wish list.

Sure!

June 30, 2008 - 9:36pm | wats910

That's a damn fine idea!

October 13, 2008 - 7:40pm | megal_11

howabout

tod converter can convert TOD files to other video formats, such as AVI, Mpeg, DivX, VOB, WMV, MP4, etc, with high out-put quality and fast converting speed.

60 June 30, 2008 - 5:15pm | effincloaca

His family? I thought he had a wife?

Doesn't this guy have a green-card wife in the lower 48? He doesn't mention her once.

Enjoy your "vacation", Vic. Don't worry, there will be plenty of sleazy lobbyists and influence peddlers around when you get out....oh, that's right, you won't have anything to offer them....well, make sure you take the welding class in the joint so you can work on the gas pipeline when you get out.

July 1, 2008 - 2:50am | fsmith

Vic's high maintenance ex-wife

Princess Lucyenduhskya had less faith in Vic than did his Mat Su fundy constituents who reelected him even after the feds tossed his office. Or maybe it was just the haircut.

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Kohring morning (UPDATED: Video, part one)