Prosecutors have suggested, through secret recordings, Kott influenced Kenai Representative Gabrielle LeDoux's PPT vote.
But on the stand LeDoux said the opposite, "He supported 20/20. He thought that 20/20 was good for the state. I think we probably talked about it for a few moments and that was it."
LeDoux also said she talked with many people, including other lawmakers and lobbyists about PPT.
"It's not uncommon for people to talk to you about a major piece of legislation," said LeDoux.
LeDoux said Kott never threatened her is she did not vote his way.
Judy Ohmer
Kott's former Chief of Staff Judy Ohmer was the last defense
witness. She said as House Speaker, Kott's office had a warm hospitable atmosphere. But after Kott lost his speakership in June of 2006, Ohmer said, "It seemed like people actively avoided the office."During the time of PPT legislation, Ohmer said she witnessed much of the activity because she was was consistently seated behind Kott in the House's gallery. Ohmer said she was also aware of Bill Allen and Rick Smith.
"I knew him (Allen) as a good friend of Pete ," said Ohmer.
They would have a, "pop at the Baranof, which was a beverage. He (Smith) was like Bill's sidekick person."
Ohmer said she witnessed a time when Kott voted differently from a VECO worker's compensation position.
"He (Smith) was red-faced and upset
Ohmer said Kott never changed his position on that piece of legislation.
Room 604 and Nicknames
Ohmer said around the capitol, the Baranof's room 604 was called "animal house."
"I know there was a lot of talking, smoking, drinking and watching Gavel to Gavel," said Ohmer.
Ohmer said she had personally been to room 604, "four or five times." But later told prosecutors she had never been there at the time of the secret recordings. Ohmer also said many people had been to 604, including unnamed members of the governor's administration. Specifically, Ohmer named Representative Mike Chenault, Kott's former chief of staff and lobbyist Paul Richards as making trips to room 604. When asked if Kott had a nickname, Ohmer said he was known as "The Sheriff," and Smith was known as "The Leprechaun."
"He (Smith) has a funny way of leaning over and laughing and lifting his leg up. It just looked leprechaun-ish," said Ohmer.
Pete Kott's Alcoholism?
The defense also brought up how Ohmer had been a certified alcohol counselor for many years. Ohmer said she tried to organize an intervention for
Kott. She noted when Kott drank, his behavior changed."Sometimes I felt like I had two different bosses. He started talking 'hill billy.' Was not as strong on his feet," said Ohmer.
Ohmer also said Kott would curse a lot and start exaggerating the truth.
"It wasn't the type of thing you'd hear as a House speaker," said Ohmer.
Prosecution Does Not Try Rebuttal Case
The prosecution had said before the morning break they would call the FBI agent to the stand who had seized a portable hard drive from Kott's home during the August 31, 2006 raid. On that hard drive the feds say they found the Dave Dittman reelection poll questions paid by VECO. Kott has maintained he never used the poll to benefit his campaign. But after two morning breaks, prosecutors decided not to rebut the case.
They had no comment for CBS 11 News why they chose not to call the FBI agent.
Jurors Sent Home
Jurors were dismissed for the day around 10:30 a.m. Friday. The judge told them they would hear closing arguments first thing Monday morning. After jurors left, the judge said the lawyers would discuss jury instructions in his chambers. But right before court adjourned for the day, the defense said they are considering asking for a "limiting instruction" regarding what the feds say are a 5,000 dollars bribe and the 30,000 cash found in Kott's home during the raid.
To contact Matthew, call 907-273-3186.




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