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Kyle Hopkins
Kyle Hopkins writes about Anchorage city government and politics. He covered last year's campaign for governor, and has blogged extensively about Alaska politics for the past year. He grew up in Southeast Alaska and was a reporter at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Anchorage Press. E-mail Kyle at khopkins@adn.com
Sean Cockerham
Sean Cockerham writes about Alaska state politics. He spent three years based in Juneau for the Daily News before joining the Tacoma News-Tribune two years ago to write about Washington state politics. He went to Iraq twice for the News Tribune, and previously wrote about Alaska government and politics for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Now he's back in Anchorage. E-mail Sean at scockerham@adn.com
Erika Bolstad
Erika Bolstad covers Alaska issues, including the congressional delegation, from Washington, D.C., for McClatchy Newspapers. Before joining the bureau this summer, she spent seven years as a reporter at the Miami Herald, where she covered politics, government and the state legislature. E-mail Erika at ebolstad@adn.com.
AK superdelegate update - 5/9/2008 3:56 pm
'Fairbanks what!' - 5/9/2008 10:19 am
Jackson Q&A - 5/8/2008 7:15 pm
Health commissioner resigns - 5/8/2008 4:17 pm
Surreality recap - 5/8/2008 2:50 pm
The prosecutors - 5/8/2008 1:14 pm
Full Kohring statement: 'I refuse to cower ...' - 5/8/2008 12:30 pm
A ride home - 5/8/2008 11:53 am
The judge - 5/8/2008 10:46 am
42 months - 5/8/2008 10:32 am
Hitchhiking to court - 5/8/2008 10:00 am
'I'm here to proclaim my innocence' - 5/8/2008 9:24 am
'Old Valley' - 5/8/2008 9:07 am
At the courthouse - 5/8/2008 8:39 am
Where they make their money - 5/7/2008 5:42 pm
Recycling the recycling plan - 5/7/2008 4:52 pm
Metcalfe drops out - 5/7/2008 1:53 pm
Legislative director - 5/7/2008 9:15 am
Is that it for Jake? - 5/6/2008 7:04 pm
Tonight - 5/6/2008 4:29 pm
Wuerch resigns - 5/6/2008 3:06 pm
Assembly: Trashtastic - 5/5/2008 8:54 pm
Posted: May 8, 2008 - 10:32 am
From Kyle in the federal courthouse --
Judge John Sedwick just sentenced Kohring to 42 months.
Look for Kohring's lawyer, Browne, to appeal.
Earlier, Browne argued that in this political corruption case, the Veco corporation got a pass. Maybe because Veco was involved in the oil industry, which is so important to people who run the government, Browne said.
When it was the feds’ turn to talk, prosecutor Joe Bottini, addressed Kohring's polite, nice-guy image. He may be a big gentle guy, but he's a big corrupt gentle guy, Bottini said.
“What you saw here was a guy that was politely corrupt. It doesn't mean that he’s any less corrupt than Pete Kott because he doesn’t swear.”
Kohring on his way into the courtroom earlier today. (Erik Hill/ADN)
15 May 8, 2008 - 3:01pm | hitman
Kohring had sold his soul and sold out the state during the times of the founding fathers, he'd be hanging from a tree!!! Hes a leech, a scum bag criminal that deserves whatever he gets.
Asking to borrow a car, asking for handouts for food, asking your lawyer for a cup of coffee??? If he had ever WORKED for a living instead of sucking off the state's and his illicit benefactor's teats he'd have been able to drive to court in his OWN car while buying his OWN coffee with money he EARNED instead of stole from others.
Good riddance...and STAY in the Republic of Oregon when you're done serving your time you disgrace.
May 8, 2008 - 9:44pm | Talkradio
It is easy to rush for the hanging. People did that in Dodge City sometimes. Matt Dillon had to calm everyone down for a bit.
I was at the hearing today and had a chance to listen to the arguments. I beleive Vic's Attorney made some excellent points: He said, if a juror had the same conflict's that the Judge had, that Juror would not have been allowed to sit on the jury. Thats true. Furthermore, if a juror lived across the street from the star witness, the juror would have been dismissed. True again.
I was a Staffer in the Legislature at the time Vic was pushing his cost cutting measures that included the Judges wife job. The Knowles administration didn't like it, but they were forced to take it.
Why did the Judges wife show up the day of the verdict? To show her husband, Judge Sedwick support?? I don't think so. Maybe she needed to be there to watch Vic go down?? Revenge is bliss.
And please don't respond that I'm sticking up for a criminal.. I'm simply stating some facts.
Eddie Burke
May 9, 2008 - 8:52am | hitman
was one of 40 people in the house who voted on budgets. To say that Vic Kohring single-handedly created an atmosphere of animosity between the judges wife and himself is simplistic at best. This was a fabrication of Vic's delusional mind.
Hows this for a fact that gets conveniently shoved aside...as a result of these so-called cost cutting measures, the judges wife wound up with the same job title in another department, making MORE money. I WISH I had such benevolent enemies.
and now -- a shameles plug:
Mark Colavecchio
750 AM KFQD
10a-Noon
May 9, 2008 - 9:10am | Talkradio
It's the perception of a conflict. If you or I were in Vic's position we would not have wanted that Judge sitting in our court. Furthermore, his neighbor is Bill Allen. You can't tell me that's does not raise concern with you. Why didn't the Judge disclose al this.
I spoke to a Juror after yestardays hearing and she was not comfortable with what happen along other Jurors.
This discussion is not about what the jury did, its a conflict with the judge. The Judge should have sat-out and all would of been fine and the jury may have reached the same verdict. But now there is cloud over it all.
Mark, lets pretend you are the Judge and I'm Vic. Since I have work around you and have know you Mark for several years, don't you think there might be a conflict there?
Eddie
May 11, 2008 - 12:15am | WSleness
The jury found Vic guilty on the evidence - extremely damning evidence, i.e., taking money on video and then saying:"What can I do for you?"
Anyone who attended the trial knows the judge presided fairly and did nothing to exhibit a bias.
And in the end, he gave Vic a much shorter sentence - hardly the actions of someone out to get Vic.
I guess some people just have a hard time letting go. Vic sure does.
May 11, 2008 - 10:34am | rfn
must base their deliberations on what they are and are not allowed to hear. They are also influenced by remarks and inflection "from the bench".
Where there is the slightest appearance of conflict of interest -- even if there is none -- fairness quietly dies. Where even the appearance of conflict of interest exists, so does reason for appeal. The appeal won't change the evidence but it could change the outcome.
May 11, 2008 - 9:00am | Talkradio
Mark, I honestly don't think they were bribes. Vic voted pro-oil for 14 yrs. Show me how the money changed Vic's votes. Did he accept gifts he should not have? Yes! Should he have reported that? Sure. But no one bribed Vic.
If I already support the government giving out flowers to women on fridays and then women start taking me to lunch.. I might be in trouble with my wife... but that's no bribe?
For 14yrs Vic always supported low taxes on the oil industry.. hell,, he supported low taxes on everyone. That 1000.00 dollars never changed anything.
It may be popular to go get the rope for a hanging, but Justice is more important than being popular. I think Vic broke the law, but not Federal crimes to this level.
Eddie
May 11, 2008 - 11:51am | akmooster
you forgot to mention the part where you go to the ladies ask for money and then ask what other flowers they would like. That is where he showed his true colors that he was a criminal and he is going right where he belongs.
The fact he was sentenced for less time then kott shows the judge took into account he wasn't as bad as kott, but they are both criminals who broke federal laws, have been tried and sentenced. The air is a little fresher in Alaska because of it.
May 9, 2008 - 1:21am | kwalters
Eddie B...you make valid points...REGARDING JURORS!!!
Judge Sedwick did not convict Vic. A jury did. The standards that apply to the jury do not apply to the judge. Vic Kohring was convicted by a jury of his peers. Comparing conflicts between judges and juries is apples and engines; there is no comparison.
Secondly, I was there too. You are a freaking greenhorn when it comes to media. What...was this your second appearance at a corruption trial? This time, you decide to bring a KBYR microphone and play journalist? NEWSFLASH...Stick to mortgage banking. Or even your talk host gig. Journalist....YOU ARE NOT! Leave the questioning to the professionals. There are unspoken protocols and you embarrased yourself and crapped on the floor. The gathered media was going to wait for Vic outside. Outside the courthouse, defendants tend to speak louder. The lighting is far better. And the gathered group was heading outside until you, as Shannyn Moore so aptly described on her show, "Humped Vic's leg". No one else could get a word in edge wise. Anyway...next time stay home or follow protocol...or just STFU!
May 9, 2008 - 8:50am | Talkradio
Vic wanted to talk to me. Him and I have know each other for years. Your right, Im not a typical media person, but I have a show and vic was willing to give me some sound and to talk to me. Vic and I were just talking and the media swarmed all over us within seconds. Why didn't you guys wait?
The last time I checked, this is a free country and you folks in the drive by media, (who rarely get it right) do not have a special place at news confrences.
Everyone got to ask questions. Vic and his Attorney were very kind and answered several question to my surprise. No one left without getting their question out.
I'm very happy that Shannon Moore found time to talk about me.. It's good for my ratings. I feel honored whenever a talk-show host finds time to talk about me.
I don't know who you are, but please say hi the next time were at an event.
Eddie Burke
KBYR
2-5 Weekdays
May 10, 2008 - 1:09am | kwalters
She referred to you as another talk host on another station who is reminiscent of "that really big 8th grader that ought to be in the 10th grade!" That's how she referred to Vic as well. Anyway, I was in the background and watched the media frenzy from afar. I heard the grumbling of the press that were gathered as they all headed outside...only to be seemingly hijacked by YOU! Anyway...it was just kinda funny...sorry for being a bit gruff. I guess it seemed you were defending Vic. I am more inclined to agree with hitman; what these guys did was treasonous. In the old days, they would have hung from trees...and I'm against the death penalty!
May 10, 2008 - 9:14am | akmooster
our local media dahlings were out-foxed at their own game and totally dissed by a 'really big 8th grader that ought to be in the 10th grade'?
And your earlier comments about 'real' journalists - HA! Real journalists don't bend the news to fit their far left or far right agenda. Shannyn is certainly NOT a journalist, she is just 'another talk show host' doing an infomercial for the IBEW.
She is not only NOT a journalist, she should be ashamed to continue working for the people who threw out her former co-worker for the crime of mentioning an IBEW backed democrat had an ethics problem. She's lost in her own rhetoric and has no independent judgment left, nor can she afford to - a talking head for the far left and the IBEW.
May 8, 2008 - 8:46pm | akmooster
and vic should be gracious that the judge saw that he was not as bad of person as pete and gave him less time.
This might be more about his lawyer hating loosing then vic being 'innocent'.
Hang in there vic... with that new do, you might score a really cool new friend.
14 May 8, 2008 - 1:53pm | zippy_pinhead
Holy cow he's really got that Peter O'Toole look going now! Maybe he'll star in the upcoming prison theater revival of 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips'...
12 May 8, 2008 - 11:33am | Melzie
There is no parole with feds. They get 54 days of good time a year. They have to do 90% of their time before they go on a furlough and if they go on furlough there are exigent circumstances be it medical or some other emergency reason. If it is medical they have to pay their own medical costs. Yes they can go to a halfway house to transition out for their last 6 months. It is an option, not a requirement. They have to pay 25% straight off the top of any salary they earn while in a halfway house. They have two weeks to get a job if in a half way house. Don't get a job, go back to jail. They eventually can go on home confinement during that 6 month period but, they still have to pay 25% of their gross pay if they do. I was a federal case manager in a halfway house.
11 May 8, 2008 - 10:51am | magneto
they will probably cut you loose in 1095 days. Only if you're a good boy and eat your green beans though. See ya later.
10 May 8, 2008 - 10:51am | demke
The feds give 58 days a year goodtime, or something very close to that. If he are good he will spend the last 6 months at a halfway house. I'm sure as a first time offender he will be eligable for parole after a third of his sentence is served. Is it enough time? The judge thougt so. It's a lot more time than Smith or Allen will ever serve.
May 8, 2008 - 1:55pm | zippy_pinhead
It's a lot more time than Smith or Allen will ever serve.
And THAT is the crying shame in this whole sad story. Those two were just better at self-preservation.
May 8, 2008 - 11:00am | rainey4075
They do have good behavior so he's probably looking at 2 3/4 years. The good thing is he won't get elected to anything ever again (hopefully) in Alaska. But watch out he was a sheet rocker before politics. he'll probably be a contractor when he gets out.
9 May 8, 2008 - 10:49am | mcgraw
Darkest Day for the People's Republic of Alaska
The Feds and Sedwick should hang their heads in shame! Vic deserved a fair trial, and still does. He was destroyed because he was our only principled legislator since Marrou.
May 8, 2008 - 11:14am | aktraveller
You should start selling what you have been smoking
I'm sure there is a market for something so hallucenogenic. This scumball with the advancing hairline took a bribe and got the condign punishment. Good riddance you corrupt boob.
May 8, 2008 - 10:57am | alaska1125
...elected officials who accept bribes are not exactly what I would consider "principled". Here's a definition for you:
principled: based on or manifesting objectively defined standards of rightness or morality
Kohring displayed none of those qualities when he took that money from Allen and he certainly deserves jail time. Far from the "darkest day", the light is finally shining through.
8 May 8, 2008 - 10:43am | Melzie
figure he'll get out in 21 months? That would be getting out in less time that a state prisoner would on a sentence with good time. Feds good time in nothing compared to the state. How do you get 21 months?
7 May 8, 2008 - 10:42am | alaska1125
...at least now you get a bed to sleep on instead of a couch in your parents trailer. Three squares a day, no need to hitchhike anywhere...you just have to look at the positives.
6 May 8, 2008 - 10:41am | cadet_schmuckiteli
I understand Federal sentences guidlines require 90% of time served.
5 May 8, 2008 - 10:40am | cadet_schmuckiteli
Great guess!
4 May 8, 2008 - 10:40am | DecemberRain
42 months-- he will get out in 21.
3 May 8, 2008 - 10:37am | alaska1125
Should've been 5.
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16 May 9, 2008 - 3:53am | valleycrabber
Tom Anderson Being Asaulted
There is now a rumor from a paroled ex-convict that Tom Anderson has been suffering assault recently at the Federal Penitentary in Sheridan, Oregon where he is currently serving out his sentence. Apparently, since learning late last month of Mr. Anderson being on the take while promoting private prisons, groups of inmates from the General Population have been repeatedly targeting Tom for asssault. God know what assault means in a Federal Prison. Lesil Mcguire did not return calls for comment.
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