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Siegelman to be sentenced

He was convicted a year ago and he'll be sentenced in a matter of days, but former Governor Don Siegelman is speaking with WAFF 48 News.

WAFF 48's Nick Kenney made the trip to Birmingham to visit Siegelman.

These are quite possible his last days as a free man.

From Governor to convicted felon, a label he's still fighting.

In late June 2006, a jury convicted him and late June 2007, he's still hard at work, arguing his case is far from over.

"Working on the appeal, working on investigating the case," says Siegelman.

Next up, sentencing, set for Tuesday.

In paperwork filed with the court, prosecutors requested a stiff sentence, 30 years to life, a fine of nearly $24 million, and restitution topping $5 million.

"I'm optimistic." says Siegelman. "Well, I'm optimistic because in this case the government did not prove that a single penny went into my pocket."

Still maintianing his innocence, Siegelman claims his 2002 gubernatorial loss, his prosecution, and his conviction were the work of Karl Rove, the tip of the iceberg in the scandal unfolding in the United States Department of Justuce.

He says he's not close friends with Richard Scrushy.

He says the two swapped nothing.

"There was no bribe. He didn't offer me money in exchange for that position when I offered him the position, he didn't want it," says Siegelman. 

Regardless, Don Siegelman faces the possibility of prison time.

"My sentence is in the hands of a judge. If there's a semblance of fair play, then I'm comfortable and confident I will be given a sentence that is in line with what the government proved."

His fate to be decided in dwindling days.