Monday, July 02, 2007

The president’s decision drew praise from Mr. Libby’s defenders. “That’s fantastic. It’s a great relief,” said former Ambassador Richard Carlson, who helped raise millions of dollars for Libby’s defense fund. “Scooter Libby did not deserve to go to prison and I’m glad the president had the courage to do this,.” he said, according to The Associated Press.

The campaign itself was almost the least of the battles. In spite of it all, Hedgecock beat Richard Carlson, the standard bearer for the “old guard,” with 58 percent of the vote.

He got another break when the jury in his trial deadlocked 11-1 in favor of a guilty verdict. After some more maneuvering, a second trial began in July of 1985, this time with Oscar Goodman, known for defending mobsters, running the defense.

On Oct. 9, 1985 the jury returned convictions on 13 felony counts, 12 for perjury and one for conspiracy. But two days later, reports of jury tampering surfaced and Hedgecock asked for a new trial. His request was denied and on Dec. 10, Hedgecock was sentenced to a year in county jail and three years of probation. As legally required, he resigned his post as mayor.