Transcript of Kohring's answers to Frontiersman questions

Following is a transcript of questions prepared by reporter Russell Stigall for the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman and answers provided by Vic Kohring. The questions and answers are as presented, unedited.

Stigall: I would first like to ask how are you feeling? Are you fortunate enough to have family and friends nearby?

Kohring: I'm feeling great. I'm positive and upbeat and actually looking forward to the trial so I may finally present my side of the story and get this over with. My health is excellent, I am sleeping well and exercising daily—mostly going for long walks up Lucille Street and along Spruce Avenue late at night after work. People are still honking waving hello at me! I have a wonderful support structure. My family is strongly behind me, I have incredible parents and a host of friends who are with me 1000%.

Stigall: What are you doing to prepare for your trial? You have expressed to me that this is the trial of your life, in what do you take solace during what I assume is a difficult time for you?

Kohring: This has truly been a nightmare, by far the worst experience of my life. But I just deal with it a day, sometimes an hour, at a time. I remain strong and am working full-time every day preparing for the trial. I'm giving it my all as if it were a campaign for the legislature. Through it all, I've developed a thick skin and am able to endure.

I indicated during my resignation speech in June at the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce that it was my intent to resign, NOT because I was guilty, but because I needed to focus on my defense full time—and that's exactly what I'm doing. This certainly is one of the biggest moments of my life as I defend myself from my own government that I have worked so hard to serve for 2 years, who are working overtime to put me in prison for a half century over unfounded and bogus charges. I am literally fighting for my future life.

I take solace knowing that my family and friends are behind me. I also take solace knowing that, even if the Feds steal away my freedom, they can't take away my life, soul, salvation, health, friends and family. That's 99% of what I need in my life anyway. I've always been a Bible reader too, going back over 40 years when I used to attend Sunny Knik Bible Camp, and I've been focusing on the book of Proverbs, referred to as the "book of wisdom." It has helped give me an inner strength and a greater perspective on life.

Stigall: I read that federal investigators released a revised and extended indictment in your case. With only two weeks to go before your trial do you feel you and John Henry Browne have enough time to address this revised indictment?

Kohring: I will let my attorney determine if he feels we're ready. He is extremely capable and considered one of the best trial attorney's in the United States. I feel very blessed to have him on my side. He was an incredible find. I concluded that if my life is on the line, I better get the best possible legal representation, even if it costs me financially. I'm still young enough to where I can start over and re-build my finances. I have a great education, work background and a lot of good contacts, so that part doesn't worry me.

The revised indictment is ludicrous, but actually something we almost expected. The prosecutors are lobbing their "Hail Mary" end of game touchdown pass in desperation trying to pull off a last second victory. They recognize they're behind in the game and don't have a strong case, so are now resorting to making last minute false accusations to try to hurt my standing with the public and prospective jurors.

Stigall: You have pleaded not guilty on the four charges against you and you have told me a couple of times that you are innocent and believe you will be found to be innocent. How did this have an effect on your decision to not take Sen. Dyson's advice to work with the FBI?

Kohring: In my heart, I truly believe I am innocent, otherwise I wouldn't have repeatedly said so publicly and put myself through all the stress and trauma and incredible expense of a trial. I will not speak with Dyson because he IS the FBI. The FBI, through Dyson, has interfered with my case and attempted to deny me my constitutional right to a trial. That right should never have been discouraged or hindered in any way by the Feds, which has in-fact occurred. If I had given in to Dyson's and the FBI's pressure to settle and not go to trial, I would have admitted guilt, become a felon and gone to prison for something I didn't do. That's outrageous and almost criminal in itself. If I had fallen for this trick, I know I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.

Stigall: With Pete Kott's trial over and with you possibly facing similar evidence, do you still feel you will be found innocent?

Kohring: My case is weak and the Feds know it. I still hope and pray for an exoneration. The most difficult task I face is the lynch mob mentality throughout the state where much of the public is convinced that the accused (like me) are automatically guilty even before we have a chance to speak one word in court. It's not the public's fault though. The vast majority of people are honest and fair. I hold the media responsible for this travesty by attempting to try and convict me with their incredibly biased, one-sided and manipulating reporting. Channel 2 News is the worst. They constantly cast me in a bad light and imply I'm guilty. They've shown the "crying" episode from five months ago dozens of times on the news (making me appear overcome with guilt), when in reality, I shed a few tears for a brief moment from the outpouring of support among my legislative colleagues on the House Floor following the Feds accusations of felony crimes in May. The Anchorage Daily News ran a liabelous headline last week outrageously claiming I took a $17, 000.00 loan from Veco, when the truth is, there was nothing but a loan request. Chuck Legge is clearly on a mission to put me in prison with his continuous use of the Frontiersman as vehicle to spew his hate. His cartoons imply guilt such as the one showing me being taken away in a paddy wagon behind bars. His recent editorial and Daily News on line comments practically convict me. It's shameful. Unfortunately, even if innocent, it may prove very difficult to get a fair trial because of the way these over zealous people in the media irresponsibly manipulate the unsuspecting public in such a slanderous way. Frankly, I'm not sure what's worse anymore—the media or the FBI.

Stigall: Have prosecutors recently approached you with a deal?

Kohring: Agreeing to a "deal" is an admission of guilt. I'm NOT guilty of the charges. I prefer taking the risk of proceeding with a trial, which is obviously a big gamble. But if I'm innocent, it's something I must do. The only way I could envision agreeing to a deal would be if the Feds (using Dyson for example) were to manipulate me and somehow convince me (wrongly) I would be better off making a plea. The problem is, I don't trust them and I don't want to risk my opportunity for a trial and being found innocent and vindicated by my peers.

Going to trial is a huge risk because the government has unlimited resources (I heard they're wasting literally millions prosecuting me) and slick, smooth-talking, highly educated prosecutors with expensive suits who can sound very convincing. But this is something I must do to prove my innocence. It reminds me of the Biblical match-up between David and Goliath. I just hope my aim is accurate and I find a smooth stone.

Stigall: During our interview on your last day at the legislative office you seemed to grasp the gravity of your situation. If you go before a jury and the jury convicts are you prepared to deal with that reality?

Kohring: I fully recognize how serious this is and how determined the Feds are to convict me, whether it's right or wrong, simply get another notch on their belt and advance their careers. Truth and justice doesn't always seem to be a priority with the Feds.

I'm fully prepared for the worst, and am not afraid. In fact, I have real peace in my heart and an inner calmness. However, I fully expect to win this case and there's no way am I going to roll over and give up. I've always been a fighter by nature and intend to battle this thing hard, defend myself with every ounce of my strength and being, and God willing, convince the jury of my innocence and walk away a free man when it's all over.