Political prosecutions a disturbing problem

Former Gov. Don Siegelman raised enough questions about his indictment and conviction to merit a special prosecutor to look into political abuse of the judicial system.

Evidence continues to suggest that somebody at the federal and state levels wanted his long political career as a Democratic powerhouse destroyed.

The accusations are plentiful and bold. They point to high-level Washington manipulation of the judicial system during the time he ran for re-election in 2002.

Even after his release from a federal prison while his conviction is on appeal, evidence points to continued harassment. The government called it an honest mistake that he had to ask permission to leave the state. Only people on probation must get permission.

A report released this week revealed that the U.S. Office of Special Counsel closed an investigation into the allegations because it lacked time and resources to conduct the probe.

When was the last time Washington stopped any activity because it didn’t have the money to carry on?

Bush-appointed Special Counsel Scott Block is now under investigation for allegations of widespread abuse of his office.

The allegations Mr. Siegelman continues to raise are as serious as those that triggered the Watergate investigation. All Americans are in danger when presidents or their closest advisers manipulate police powers and the judiciary.

The Justice Department should appoint a special prosecutor because political prosecutions have no place in our democracy.