By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The government's corruption case against former Governor Don Siegelman is built on lies. That's what defense attorney Vince Kilborn told the jury Monday in the first day of the trial. He says the government's case hinges on testimony from Nick Bailey, a former aide to Siegelman, and landfill developer Lanny Young. Both men have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing. Earlier in the day, chief federal prosecutor Louis Franklin accused Siegelman of corrupting the governor's office with bribes and political payoffs. Attorneys for three co-defendants, including former HealthSouth C-E-O Richard Scrushy, have been awaiting their turn to make their opening statements.