Blogs, Web sites show support for Siegelman

MONTGOMERY - Former Gov. Don Siegelman's supporters are using blog posts and new Web sites in an effort to express their beliefs that he is spending time in federal prison because of political maneuvering.

Retired political consultant Claibourne Darden and his wife, Anita, have developed a pro-Siegelman Web site with links to stories to support their theory that Siegelman was the victim of a political conspiracy.

"Basically, the reason we're doing it is it's clear as a bell that Don has been railroaded by the (Gov. Bob) Riley machine," Darden said Tuesday.

A connection to the Siegelman prosecution is denied by Riley.

Prosecutors said Siegelman got what he deserved because he was guilty of felonies. Siegelman and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy were convicted of bribery and conspiracy charges in June. The charges were related to Scrushy's $500,000 contribution to Siegelman's lottery campaign fund and Scrushy's appointment to a medical approval board.

Siegelman was governor from 1999-2003 and was succeeded by Riley after a narrow election win.

Another Web site, a new one that apparently popped up during the weekend and does not reveal its ownership, seeks to defend the view that Siegelman was properly charged with felonies and convicted in federal court.

Auburn University-Montgomery political science professor Anne Permaloff said she believes the blogosphere is taking the place of the traditional media, especially for younger voters who may be turned off

by politics but receptive to information.

"Younger voters don't recognize the difference between factual material and opinion material, and the blogs blur those," Permaloff said. "In a way, what they're describing maybe is replacing the old rumor mill network that has been part of Alabama for so much time."

The pro-Siegelman Web site has an address in which to send legal defense fund contributions as he appeals his conviction and sentencing in a federal prison in Louisiana.

Dana Beyerle can be reached at (334) 264-6605.