Former Alabama Governor, Don Siegelman, is in Atlanta today to watch as his attorneys appear before a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
"I'm optimistic baed on the law and the facts. This year's a lot different for me. Last year, I was in federal prison. his year, I'm out and my spirits have been lifted by the support of friends and family."
In fact, Siegelman has received quite a bit of high-profile support. Yesterday, I received an email request for contributions to his defense fund that was signed by Al Gore.
Here's the complete text. It has to set a record for "most calls to action in a single email."
As Americans we are always proud of our leaders. In the state of Alabama we've elected one great New South Democratic Governor who won overwhelmingly over an incumbent Republican. Don Siegelman was the first Democratic Governor to endorse me when I ran for President; he was a great Governor for Alabama and for the Democratic Party.
But now Don needs our help.
Don's legal battle is at a critical stage. Tomorrow, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear his appeal, which could throw out the false charges. But Don needs our help to raise $30,000 to cover legal costs to clear his name.
While I am sure you know the story, the American Trial Lawyer Magazine labels Don Siegelman as America's #1 "Political Prisoner."
Time exposed how selective prosecution was used by Karl Rove's Republican prosecutors and CBS's 60 Minutes exposed how they knowingly extorted false testimony to secure a conviction.
Don's sentence was actually enhanced for speaking out against the White House lead prosecution. Don was handcuffed, shackled, and put into solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison for something The New York Times has said has never even been considered a crime in America. 54 former state Attorneys General agreed and filed a Friend of the Court brief in support of Don.
Tomorrow's hearing can put this right. I am asking you to give right now online or mail your contribution to:
Siegelman Legal Defense Fund 3963 River View Drive Birmingham, AL 35243
Don is now engaged in two important fights: One for his own freedom and the other to save our democracy by seeing that Karl Rove is brought to justice.
Don needs our financial help to keep these fights going. He needs to know we care, especially as he prepares for tomorrow's hearing.
Earlier this month, Time revealed that the Department of Justice has been involved in a cover-up of unethical and criminal activity within the Department and the U.S. Attorney's office. Last week's New York Times story reveals further prosecutorial misconduct.
The government has reportedly spent over 40 million dollars to prosecute Don. Don and his family have spent virtually all of their life's savings to fight these false charges.
I know times are tight but I hope you will give as generously as possible. Don's Legal Defense Fund can take donations of corporate, PAC, foundation, or personal money of any size.
As Don recently said, "We must win these fights to unravel the injustices that have been perpetrated against our democracy. With your help, Karl Rove and his accomplices will be held accountable for their abuse of power -- and I can clear my name for good."
As Americans, we have a responsibility to protect our democracy from those who would take advantage of it and abuse their power. By making sure Don has the support to keep up his fight for justice, we can do just that.
It's a strongly-worded statement of support (and none of the emphasis is mine). Although many political leaders have expressed support for Siegelman (including a bipartisan group of 54 former state Attorneys General), Al Gore is a really big catch.
Gore has credibility and commands attention and respect from both progressive and establishment Democrats - quite a coup!
I'm wishing Siegelman luck. It's unlikely that the Appeals Court will throw out his conviction, but they could order a new trial. And hopefully, it will be one where the judge and prosecutor are concerned more about justice than ideology and political paybacks.
There's no guarantee that Siegelman would be found innocent, but the very least every citizen can expect is a fair trial, and he didn't appear to have that the first time.
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Former Alabama Governor, Don Siegelman, is in Atlanta today to watch as his attorneys appear before a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. 
