Kohring’s next on prosecutor’s laundry list

In 20 days, former state House Rep. Vic Kohring is expected to face a jury to defend himself for his alleged role in the Veco oil corruption scandal.

For federal authorities, it will be the latest in a series of prosecutions, the first two of which have resulted in the convictions of former state legislators Tom Anderson and Pete Kott. For the Mat-Su Valley, it’s the final act for a longtime public servant who faces up to 50 years’ incarceration if convicted on charges of bribery, extortion and conspiracy.

Maintaining his innocence, Kohring reluctantly resigned from the state House in June. At that time, he also held the belief he would prove his innocence and resume his political career. When the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman visited with Kohring on his last day in office, the former District 14 representative said he was afraid of an uncertain future.

He should be.

Since that time one Alaska jury convicted Anderson and another Kott.

Kohring’s time in court may seem like déjà vu, as some of the same evidence and witnesses are expected to be used against him, including the testimony of Bill Allen. The former Veco Corp. CEO cut a deal to testify against Kott and Kohring. During Kott’s trial, Allen’s testimony was especially damning as he described conversations and arrangements he had with the former lawmaker. These included cash payments and other bribes in return for Kott’s vote on the Petroleum Profits Tax that passed out of last year’s Legislature.

In one videotaped conversation between Allen and Veco Vice President Rick Smith, Allen talks about giving Kohring $1,000. That videotape is certain to be entered as evidence in Kohring’s trial and could prove as damaging there.

Sen. Fred Dyson recently landed in some hot water for calling Kohring and urging him to cut a deal with prosecutors. Perhaps Dyson has the right idea. While Kohring’s attorney has raised a small ruckus over the contact, we hope he is keeping those avenues open.

As a seven-term representative, Kohring has done much good for the Mat-Su Valley. His legacy, however, is tied to his tumble from the mountaintop. After watching Kott’s defense eviscerated by federal prosecutors and the testimony of Allen, we expect Kohring will be subjected to more of the same. If he’s expecting any sympathy from a jury, the trials of Kott and Anderson show the residents of Alaska will convict even a well-known local politician.

Everyone deserves his day in court, including Kohring. If he wants to roll the dice, gambling that prosecutors have less evidence against him and that Allen will testify substantially different than he did in Kott’s trial, it’s his future.

How many more embarrassing trials of politicians can Alaska take before losing heart? The answer is simple — as many as there are corrupt politicians.