Closing Arguments Underway in Ethics Trial of House Speaker Mike Hubbard

Closing arguments are underway in the ethics trial of Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard. He faces 23 felony ethics counts.

A prosecutor has told jurors that Hubbard put a “for sale” sign on his public office as he obtained consulting contracts paying his business thousands of dollars each month.

Prosecutor Michael Duffy said in closing arguments Thursday that Hubbard obtained the jobs solely because he was speaker and he used the power of his office to benefit those clients. Duffy said the Republican speaker “diminished the integrity of government, because he wanted to make some money …”

Duffy also said Hubbard was on the brink of financial ruin when he asked lobbyists and company owners to make $150,000 investments in a printing business Hubbard co-owned. The prosecutor said all of the investors had business before the legislature.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers began closing arguments Thursday afternoon in Hubbard’s ethics trial. They are expected to finish Friday morning.

The arguments will cap nearly three weeks of trial that included testimony from the current and past governor. Hubbard testified in his own defense, rebutting assertions that the contracts and investments his companies stemmed from his political sway.

Hubbard faces 23 felony ethics charges accusing him of using his political positions as speaker and party chairman to make money and solicit jobs and financial favors from lobbyists. Hubbard has maintained his innocence, saying the transactions fell within exemptions for normal business dealings and longtime friendships.

If convicted, Hubbard will be automatically removed from office.

The judge is allowing TV cameras in court for closing arguments, but not Live broadcasts. Alabama News Network will be receiving pool coverage from the courtroom, which we will provide as soon as the judge allows us to broadcast the video.