Tom Anderson (politician)

Infobox State Representative
honorific-prefix =
name = Thomas T. (Tom) Anderson
honorific-suffix =


state_house = Alaska
district = 19th
term_start = January 21, 2003
term_end = January 15, 2007
preceded = Kevin Meyer
succeeded = Bob Roses
birth_date = August 4, 1967Alaska Legislature. (2005-09-20). [http://web.archive.org/web/20060213222234/w3.legis.state.ak.us/house/24/ADE.php "Representative Tom Anderson" (biography).] Through Internet Archive. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.]
birth_place = Anchorage, Alaska
death_date =
death_place =
nationality =
spouse = Lesil McGuire
party = Republican
relations =
children = Timothy, Tommy Jr., Kerry, Grayson
residence = Anchorage, Alaska
alma_mater = University of Alaska Anchorage, B.A., M.A.
Hamline School of Law, J.D.
occupation = Public & government affairs consultant
profession =
religion = Lutheran


website =
footnotes =

Thomas T. (Tom) Anderson (born August 4, 1967) is a consultant and former Alaska state representative for District 19 representing northeast Anchorage, Alaska. Anderson, a Republican, served in the Alaska Legislature for two terms, from 2003 until 2007, and became known for his sponsorship of legislation which expanded Alaska's DNA database to assist in forensic identification of criminal suspects through DNA testing.

On December 6, 2006, Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury on seven felony counts of extortion, bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering involving allegations that he took bribes of nearly $13,000 in return for using his official position as a legislator to advocate for private prisons. Anderson's trial began on June 25, 2007 in U.S. District Court in Anchorage and went to the jury on July 6. On July 9, 2007, Anderson was found guilty of all seven felony counts. In response to the guilty verdict Anderson claimed that "the prosecution has criminalized being a legislator," and said he would appeal his conviction. Sentencing was scheduled for October 2, 2007 but was delayed until October 15, 2007.Demer, Lisa. (2007-07-09). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/9118645p-9034956c.html "Jury finds Anderson guilty in bribery trial."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-07-09.] Mr. Anderson was sentenced on October 15, 2007 to a term of 60 months in prison and was required to surrender to the Federal Prison Camp in Sheridan, Oregon on December 3, 2007.

Early life and career

Tom Anderson was born in Anchorage, one of two sons of Col. Tom R. Anderson, former director of the Alaska State Troopers, and his wife Christiane.Shinohara, Rosemary. (2002-10-16). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Young%20guns%20aim%20for%20House%20District%2019%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2002)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2002&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Young%20guns%20aim%20for%20House%20District%2019%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Young guns aim for House District 19 — Owen Carey, Tom Anderson each boast deep Anchorage roots."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] Shinohara, Rosemary. (2000-08-04). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Wuerch%20aide%20wins%20school%20board%20seat%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2000)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2000&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Wuerch%20aide%20wins%20school%20board%20seat%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Wuerch aide wins school board seat."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-09.] Anderson attended Muldoon Elementary School and Clark Junior High, and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1985, He attended University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) from 1985 to 1993, earning a B.A. in Political Science in 1989 and an M.A. in Public Administration in 1993. Beginning in 1991, while still a student at UAA, he served as chief of staff for Representative Terry Martin (R-Anchorage) in the Alaska Legislature, and in that capacity also was an aide for the legislature's Budget and Audit Committee and the House Finance Committee. During this time he was also on the board of directors for the Anchorage Parking Authority Board from 1992 to 1995 and, from 1995 to 1996, he was vice-chair of the Anchorage Light & Power Commission.

Anderson then returned to school, attending Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota from 1996 to 1999, when he earned his Juris Doctor, and on returning to Anchorage became a legal and public affairs consultant. He served on the Anchorage Zoning Board of Appeals and Examiners from 1999 to 2001 and in 2000 was a member of the transition team for Anchorage Mayor George Wuerch. He also worked as a law clerk for local attorneys.

In August 2000, Anderson was appointed over 29 other applicants by the Anchorage School Board, on a vote of 5 to 1, to fill out the term of school board member Kathi Gillespie, who had resigned the previous month. By the time of his appointment to the school board, Anderson was divorced with three children, one of whom attended elementary school; the other two lived in Dallas. In April 2001, Anderson was defeated for another term in School Board Seat B by challenger Jake Metcalfe.Porco, Peter. (2001-04-05). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22School%20Board%20Seat%20A%20heads%20toward%20runoff%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2001)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2001&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22School%20Board%20Seat%20A%20heads%20toward%20runoff%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "School Board Seat A heads toward runoff — Election: Leading candidate Tim Steele falls short, receives less than 50 percent of vote."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-09.]

Consulting business

Anderson registered for a business license for a consulting business called Alaska Strategic Consultants on November 9, 1999.Corporations Database. [https://myalaska.state.ak.us/business/soskb/Corp.asp?290553 Alaska Strategic Consultants] . Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.] In 2001, Anderson, through his consulting business, had six clients, each of which paid him over $1,000. The clients included the electronic parts supplier Frigid North and the bar, restaurant, and liquor trade association Anchorage Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (CHARR). In 2002, Anderson, acting as CHARR's executive director, received $40,800 from the association.Demer, Lisa. (2006-12-09). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/8479065p-8371729c.html "Anderson was a lobbyist before being a lawmaker — 'Hardworking': The year he won his House seat, one client paid him $40,800."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-11.]

Legislative career

23rd Alaska Legislature

In 2002 Anderson, then serving as executive director of the Anchorage Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (CHARR), a trade association of Anchorage-area bars and restaurants, ran as a Republican against Democrat Owen Carey for Alaska House District 19, covering the Muldoon area of Anchorage. He defeated Carey in the November 5 election.Cockerham, Sean. (2002-11-06). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22French%20defeats%20Donley%20for%20Senate%20seat%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2002)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2002&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22French%20defeats%20Donley%20for%20Senate%20seat%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "French defeats Donley for Senate seat — Majority: Despite that loss, Republicans retain control of House and Senate."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

With other legislators, Anderson was sworn into office at the state capital in Juneau as a member of the 23rd Alaska Legislature on January 21, 2003.Inklebarger, Timothy. (2003-01-21). [http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/012103/sta_legopen.shtml "Game on: Lawmakers sworn in for 23rd legislative session."] "Juneau Empire". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] Anderson served as chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee and Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. He was also a member of the House committees on Community and Regional Affairs and Administrative Regulation Review, the Finance Subcommittees in the Administration, Corrections, Public Safety, and Revenue committees, and, during the first legislative session (in 2003), the Conference Committee on SJR 8.] Through Internet Archive. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.]

During the first legislative session in 2003, Anderson championed House Bill 49, of which he was co-sponsor, to expand the state DNA database by requiring DNA samples from all convicted felons; any person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime against a person, such as assault; and anyone convicted of a misdemeanor sex offense. The bill applied the DNA sample requirement retroactively to people currently imprisoned or on parole for those crimes, as well as anyone required to register as a sex offender. Some serious juvenile offenders were also included under HB 49.Alaska Legislature. [http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=23&bill=hb49&submit=Display+Bill+Root HB 49: "An Act relating to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) identification registration system and testing; and providing for an effective date."] Status date 2003-06-13. 23rd Alaska Legislature, Bill Action and Status Inquiry System. Retrieved on 2007-06-14.] Associated Press. (2003-06-14). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Laws%20expand%20DNA%20database%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2003)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2003&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Laws%20expand%20DNA%20database%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Laws expand DNA database, lengthen jail time for some — Crime: Other bills include one closing a loophole in state's stalking statutes."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] The bill enjoyed wide bipartisan support,Tsong, Nicole. (2003-10-27). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Judge%20bars%20DNA%20sampling%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2003)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2003&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Judge%20bars%20DNA%20sampling%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Judge bars DNA sampling — Lawsuit: Restraining order issued in case brought by John Doe sex offender."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] and was signed into law by Gov. Frank Murkowski on June 13, 2003. However, in October 2003 a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order which disallowed the state from requiring DNA samples from convicted sex offenders who had completed their sentences unless the state had first obtained a warrant and shown probable cause to believe a crime had been committed. Ultimately, the portion of the law requiring registered sex offenders who had completed their sentences to provide DNA samples was struck down as unconstitutional by U.S. District Judge John Sedwick; other provisions of the law remained intact.Tsong, Nicole. (2005-02-12). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Sex%20crime%20DNA%20rule%20shot%20down%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2005)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2005&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Sex%20crime%20DNA%20rule%20shot%20down%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Sex crime DNA rule shot down — Court: Offenders whose sentences were over by 2003 are affected."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

In the second legislative session in 2004, Anderson was the House sponsor of a "payday loan" bill to regulate short-term, high-interest loans. The bill was passed and signed into law by Gov. Frank Murkowski in June 2004. Critics charges that the new law did not regulate loaners enough, still permitting them to charge fees for payday loans that amounted to interest rates of over 300 percent when calculated on an annual percentage basis. An Associated Press wire story about the bill noted that Anderson had received campaign contributions of $500 each (for a total of $1000) from the two co-owners of Cash Alaska, a payday lending company that had also hired former state senator Tim Kelly to push for the bill. (The Senate sponsor of the bill, John Cowdery, had received a $500 campaign contribution from one of the owners of the business).Brown, Cathy. (2004-07-01). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Governor%20signs%20bill%20on%20high-interest%20loans%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Governor%20signs%20bill%20on%20high-interest%20loans%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Governor signs bill on high-interest loans — New rules: 'Payday' companies to be regulated, but some say not enough."] Associated Press wire story. "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

Relationship and marriage

During the second legislative session (2004), Anderson's romance with Rep. Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage), who represented House District 28 covering the South Anchorage neighborhoods of Oceanview, Bayshore/Klatt and part of Sand Lake, was rumored for some time before it became public knowledge.Toomey, Sheila, compiler.(2004-02-01). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Alaska%20Ear%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2/1/2004%20to%202/1/2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2/1/2004%20to%202/1/2004)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Alaska%20Ear%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Alaska Ear."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] The two married early in the summer of 2005Cockerham, Sean. (2005-09-30). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Anderson%20to%20leave%20district%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2005)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2005&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Anderson%20to%20leave%20district%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Anderson to leave district, not post — House: The newly married lawmaker is departing Muldoon."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] and in March 2006 McGuire gave birth to a son, Grayson.Anchorage Daily News. (2006-03-23). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Birth%20announcements%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(3/23/2006%20to%203/23/2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=3/23/2006%20to%203/23/2006)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Birth%20announcements%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Birth announcements."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

In 2003, Tom Anderson's wife, Rep. Lesil McGuire, was the passenger in an automobile accident with Trish Tyler and Mrs. Tyler's husband, noted Alaska attorney David Shoup. Mrs. Tyler, the driver of the vehicle, registered a BAC of .258 during a hospital blood test at Providence Alaska Medical Center, 3 times the legal limit, and her blood also tested positive for Marijuana. Rep. McGuire suffered permanent injuries in this accident and filed suit against the Shoups. During discovery, Rep. McGuire's attorney asserted that David Shoup had purchased the alcohol and the Marijuana that was consumed prior to the accident. Early in the proceedings, attorneys for Trish Tyler and David Shoup attempted to compel Rep. McGuire to use her public name in the matter, rather than her former name of McCracken. This public information is held in Alaska Court files under case # 3AN-03-08531CI.State of Alaska Superior Court [http://www.courtrecords.alaska.gov/pa/pa.urd/pamw2000.o_case_sum?81260237] "Alaska CourtView". Retrieved on 2008-05-18.] State of Alaska Superior Court, McCracken v. Tyler & Shoup [http://www.courtrecords.alaska.gov/pa/pa.urd/pamw2000.o_case_sum?81260237] "McCracken v. Tyler & Shoup Docket List". Retrieved on 2008-05-18.]

Northeast Community Council

Anderson played a significant role over two years from 2002 to 2004 in changing the composition of Anchorage's Northeast Community Council to reflect more conservative political and economic views. Anderson encouraged friends and allies, including pastors and members of the locally influential Anchorage Baptist Temple, to pack the town meeting-style community council elections. By May 2004, six of the nine community council board members, including its president, were friends and political allies of Anderson. While Anchorage's community councils have no real authority, they are influential with the Anchorage Assembly because, according to Dick Traini, then chair of the Anchorage Assembly, "they are the active people in the community that choose to be involved." Community council involvement has been a first step in the political careers of several Alaska politicians.Shinohara, Rosemary. (2004-05-07). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(Muldoon%20council%20reshaped)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Muldoon%20council%20reshaped)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Muldoon council reshaped — Rep. Anderson coup: Six of nine board members are people he supports."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

In July 2004, Anderson was criticized in an "Anchorage Daily News" editorial for signing a $10,000 contract in 2003 with the Alaska oilfield services company VECO Corporation to consult "on local government and community council affairs."Anchorage Daily News. (2004-07-09). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=allfields(%22Whom%20do%20they%20work%20for?%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Whom%20do%20they%20work%20for?%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Opinion — Whom do they work for? It's a fair question for lawmakers on political players' payrolls."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] Anderson had earlier told the "Anchorage Daily News" that he'd been approached by VECO after the end of the 2003 legislative session because it was aware he'd done similar consulting work before he became a legislator. He told the newspaper that most of his work for VECO was in seeking out civic and charitable events for the company to get involved in, and that he also monitored Anchorage's community councils to see if there were zoning cases or other issues under discussion that might affect VECO. The newspaper noted that Anderson had received about $4,000 in campaign contributions from VECO employees or their spouses in the 2002 election that won him his first term in the Alaska House. By July 2004 he had received at least $3,500 in VECO-related contributions for his 2004 reelection bid.Cockerham, Sean. (2004-07-06). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Consulting%20work%20pays%20off%20for%20some%20state%20legislators%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Consulting%20work%20pays%20off%20for%20some%20state%20legislators%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Consulting work pays off for some state legislators — Politics: Ben Stevens made $300,000 helping people who help him."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

Members of the community council later recalled Anderson attending all their meetings during 2003, and assumed he was attending as their representative in the state legislature. They did not learn he was there as a consultant for VECO until 2004, when his state financial disclosure form was filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission, as required by law.Kizzia, Tom and Lisa Demer. (2006-09-24). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/veco/story/8229536p-8126216c.html "FBI raids cast light on dual incomes — Consultants: Ethical standards for lawmakers questioned."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10. Full detail of Anderson's outside income reported in APOC reports is not available on the free portions of the "Anchorage Daily News" website, but is found in the [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22FBI%20raids%20cast%20light%20on%20dual%20incomes%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2006&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22FBI%20raids%20cast%20light%20on%20dual%20incomes%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes archived version of the story] available through payment of a fee.]

By the April 2006 election for Northeast Community Council, the effects of the 2004 takeover had been partially reversed, leaving the council nearly half and half liberal and convervative.Shinohara, Rosemary. (2006-05-06). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Challenge%20changes%20council%20election%20outcome%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2006&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Challenge%20changes%20council%20election%20outcome%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Challenge changes council election outcome — Northeast: Member resigns, secret meeting averted, board installed."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

24th Alaska Legislature

In 2004, Anderson ran for reelection to the Alaska House of Representatives. He defeated fellow Republican Louis Mayo in the August primaryAnchorage Daily News. (2004-08-26). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(Election%202004%20Primary%20results)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(Election%202004%20Primary%20results)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Election 2004 — Primary results."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] and in the November 2 general election defeated Democratic challenger Peggy Robinson.Cockerham, Sean and Anne Aurand. (2004-11-03). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=headline(%22Dems%20fall%20flat%20in%20Anchorage%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2004)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2004&p_field_advanced-0=title&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Dems%20fall%20flat%20in%20Anchorage%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Dems fall flat in Anchorage — Legislature: Republicans are poised to rule the roost in Juneau."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.]

In September 2005 it was disclosed that Anderson and fellow Rep. Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) had married during the summer and that Anderson was moving out of his district to live with McGuire in her South Anchorage district. Anderson stated that he intended to serve out the remainder of his term and not run for re-election. Alaska law specifies that legislative candidates must have lived in their district for at least one year immediately before filing for office, but nothing is said in the statute about legislators being required to maintain residence in their district for the entire course of their term.

Consulting work while in legislature

Anderson continued to work as a consultant during his time in the legislature. He had a $10,000 contract with VECO Corporation in 2003 to consult "on local government and community council affairs." During his first term as a legislator he also had a $20,000 consulting contract with the Alaska Telephone Association, a group of rural telephone companies. Anderson told the "Anchorage Daily News" the contract was to advise the association on member relations and to research telecommunications policies in other states. The association's executive director said the contract was to educate its members on how to be more effective in dealings with lawmakers. As chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee, Anderson dealt in an official capacity with telecommunications issues, but Anderson said he was careful to avoid conflicts of interest and did not push his employers' interests. Anderson reported a total of $30,000 in income from VECO between 2003 and 2005.

Anderson also reported to the Alaska Public Offices Commission outside income from Pacific Publishing for $10,000 in 2004 and $5,000 from Anchorage developer Marc Marlow in 2005. In total, he received $65,000 in outside consulting fees during his first three years in office. As an outgoing legislator, Anderson was not required to report his outside income for 2006.

In 2006 after the end of the regular 2006 legislative session, Anderson registered with the Municipality of Anchorage as a municipal lobbyist and worked briefly again for Anchorage CHARR in opposition to a proposed measure to extend a smoking ban in Anchorage restaurants and most indoor public spaces to also cover bars and bingo halls. By Alaska state law, legislators are not permitted to perform lobbyist work that would require them to register with the Alaska Public Offices Commission for a full year after they leave office, but lobbying the municipality on local issues did not appear to require registration with APOC.Hopkins, Lyle. (2006-06-12). [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AS&p_theme=as&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=allfields(%22Liquor%20industry%20hopes%20to%20soften%20bar%20smoking%20ban%22)%20AND%20section(all)%20AND%20date(2006)&p_field_date-0=YMD_date&p_params_date-0=date:B,E&p_text_date-0=2006&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=(%22Liquor%20industry%20hopes%20to%20soften%20bar%20smoking%20ban%22)&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=_rank_:D&xcal_ranksort=4&xcal_useweights=yes "Liquor industry hopes to soften bar smoking ban — Lobbying: Legislator bends Assembly ears on behalf of city tavern owners."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] In July Anderson was hired by the Anchorage Home Builders Association for $2,500 per month. The following month he testified before the Anchorage Assembly in favor of two stores that Wal-Mart wanted to build in his legislative district. The Northeast Community Council opposed the stores. At the Assembly meeting, Assembly chair Dan Sullivan introduced Anderson as "Representative Anderson," but Anderson corrected him, stating that he was at the meeting in representation of the home builders association, which favored the Wal-Mart stores.

Later in 2006, Anderson was hired as executive director of the Midtown Improvement District, which was then in the process of forming.

Federal corruption probe

On August 31 and September 1, 2006 the FBI served some 20 search warrants in Anchorage, Juneau, Wasilla, Eagle River, Girdwood, and Willow, primarily on the offices of several legislators.] Associated Press. "Anchorage Daily News" Retrieved 2007-05-07.] ] "Anchorage Daily News" Retrieved 2007-05-07.] Demer, Lisa. (2006-09-06). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/veco/story/8163062p-8054978c.html "FBI wanted to know about Veco, hat gifts — Legislators: Reps. Bill Stoltze, Mike Hawker were questioned, not suspected."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved 2007-05-07.] Anderson's office was not searched, but as it became clear that legislators' ties to VECO Corporation was one target of the raids, Anderson, along with Sen. Ben Stevens (whose office had been searched), became the subject of articles in the "Anchorage Daily News" scrutinizing Anderson's and Stevens' outside incomes as consultants. Disclosure of the search warrant served on Rep. Vic Kohring, another of the six legislators searched, revealed that federal investigators were also interested in information related to Anchorage developer Marc Marlow and about Cornell Companies' effort in cooperation with VECO Corporation to build a private prison in Whittier, an effort which failed due to lack of local support. The "Daily News" observed, "Those documents, though lacking detail or context, suggest that the probe is wide-ranging and not focused on any one company, issue or individual."Demer, Lisa. (2006-10-09). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/veco/story/8285390p-8181854c.html "FBI looks at more than Veco — Inquiry: Officials show interest in a developer and the Department of Corrections."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-14.]

Bribery case

Indictment and arrest

On December 7, 2006 Anderson was arrested on a federal warrant at his home by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was held overnight in the Anchorage jail.Associated Press. (2006-12-08). [http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/120806/sta_20061208001.shtml Legislator arrested in FBI probe: Anderson seized at Anchorage home on bribery warrant."] "Juneau Empire". Retrieved on 2007-05-11.] Anderson had been indicted the previous day on seven counts, including two counts of extortion, one count of bribery, one count of conspiracy, and three counts of money laundering involving the use of a sham corporation to hide the origin of the bribery payments.United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska. (2007-12-08). [http://anchorage.fbi.gov/doj/pressrel/2006/moneylaundering120806.htm "Alaska State Representative Thomas T. Anderson indicted on charges of extortion, conspiracy, bribery and money laundering."] Press release. Retrieved on 2007-05-23. Also available [http://www.adn.com/static/includes/fbi_raid/anderson_press_release.pdf through "Anchorage Daily News" website] .] " [http://www.adn.com/static/includes/fbi_raid/120706_%20Indictment.pdf United States v. Anderson] ". Indictment. Case 3:06-cr-00099-JWS-JDR. Filed December 7, 2006 in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska. Retrieved on 2007-05-23.]

Anderson was specifically accused of accepting a share of $26,000 from a private corrections company funneled to him through a shell corporation called Pacific Publishing that was set up by a lobbyist, identified in Anderson's charging documents as "Lobbyist A" and later identified as prominent Anchorage lobbyist Bill Bobrick, to disguise the source of payments. Unbeknownst to Anderson or Bobrick, their contact with the private corporations company was a confidential source of the FBI working undercover.Mauer, Richard, Lisa Demer, and Tom Kizzia. (2006-12-09). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/8479065p-8371731c.html "Anderson indicted on seven counts: Federal bribery case centers on link to prison firm lobbyist."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-11.] According to federal prosecutors, the private corrections company — unidentified in the court documents but widely believed to be Cornell Companies — was not implicated in the plot, and had been unaware of the FBI investigation until Anderson's indictment and arrest. The confidential informant in the case is believed to be Frank Prewitt, a former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Corrections who later took a job with Cornell Companies. Frank Prewitt's identity as the confidential informer was later confirmed.

Prosecution

The case against Anderson is being prosecuted by Nicholas A. Marsh and Edward P. Sullivan of the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, as part of a larger probe of political corruption in Alaska,Mauer, Richard. (2006-09-11). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/veco/story/8182180p-8075108c.html "Probe of Veco, lawmakers led by Justice Dept."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-11.] and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph W. Bottini and James A. Goeke of the District of Alaska.

Defense

Anderson was represented by Anchorage attorney Paul Stockler, a former state prosecutor who usually handles civil litigation. Stockler successfully defended an Anchorage aviation company against federal weapons charges in a prominent case in 2006. Anderson had originally hoped to be represented by attorney Jeff Feldman, but Feldman's case load, which included represented BP in an investigation into pipeline corrosion, made it impossible for him to take on Anderson's defense as well.Demer, Lisa. (2007-12-19). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/8503639p-8396902c.html "Anderson taps Stockler to handle his defense — Scheduling: Jeff Feldman was too busy to take the case."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-29.]

A letter soliciting funds for the Tom Anderson Defense Fund was sent to about 100 individuals in February 2007Rudolph, Gene and Pat, Sherry Mettler, John and Amy Oney, John Floyd, Randall Brandt, and Chuck Edwards. (2007-02). [http://www.adn.com/includes/news/pdf/andersonmemo.pdf "The Tom Anderson Defense Fund".] Anchorage, AK. Retrieved on 2007-05-29.] in order to help Anderson defray legal costs, which it was estimated would cost up to $250,000 due to extensive pretrial preparation and a trial which was expected to last about two weeks.Demer, Lisa. (2007-03-08). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/8693389p-8590250c.html "Friends solicit money for ex-Rep. Anderson's defense fund — Anderson: Defense expenses may reach $250,000; letter sent to about 100 acquaintances, associates."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-03-08.]

Bobrick charged, pled guilty

On May 14, 2007, William (Bill) Bobrick, a prominent municipal lobbyist in Anchorage, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, bribery, and money laundering in the same scheme for which Anderson was indicted the previous December. Bobrick was the creator of the shell corporation, Pacific Publishing, through which money was allegedly funneled to Anderson. Bobrick also received money through the scheme.Demer, Lisa. (2007-05-15). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/8886741p-8786990c.html "Bobrick charged with conspiracy in bribery probe."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-15.] Bobrick appeared in U.S. District Court in Anchorage on May 16, where he entered a guilty plea. Bobrick will not be sentenced until after the trial of Tom Anderson, scheduled to begin June 25, where Bobrick will testify for the prosecution. Under sentencing guidelines Bobrick faceed a possible 2 to 2-1/2 years imprisonment, but his sentence was five months in prison and five months home confinement plus fines and community service.Demer, Lisa. (2007-05-17). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/8892691p-8791703c.html "Top lobbyist admits scheme: Influence money funneled to Rep. Tom Anderson, Bobrick testifies."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-05-23.]

Trial

Anderson's trial was originally scheduled to begin on February 12, 2007, was changed to April 9, 2007, and was later rescheduled to begin on June 25, 2007 in order to give Anderson's attorney sufficient time to review evidence.Demer, Lisa. (2007-03-28). [http://www.adn.com/front/story/8746732p-8648335c.html "Anderson trial delayed."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-03-29.]

Jury selection for the trial began on June 25, 2007, drawing from a pool of 102 potential jurors from as far away as Dillingham and Bethel. Several potential jurors were challenged because they had already made judgments about Anderson's guilt or innocence or for other reasons. One potential juror was excluded because she had researched Anderson on Wikipedia.Demer, Lisa. (2007-06-26). [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/story/9081742p-8997781c.html "Choosing Anderson jury proves to be a tricky undertaking — Bribery trial: Opinions and knowledge keep potentials out, but dating the defendant is fine."] "Anchorage Daily News". Retrieved on 2007-06-26.]

On July 9, 2007, after a half day of deliberations and another half of a day to come to their conclusions, a jury found Anderson guilty on all seven charges of extortion, bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering. Anderson said he would appeal the verdict, claiming that, ""The prosecution has criminalized being a legislator over this past year. And I think I fell victim to that." His sentencing was scheduled for October 2, 2007. Anderson faced a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the extortion counts; 20 years and a $500,000 fine on each of the money laundering counts; 10 years and a $250,000 fine on the bribery count; and five years and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy count.

ee also

* Alaska political corruption probe

Notes

References

* " [http://www.adn.com/static/includes/fbi_raid/120706_%20Indictment.pdf United States v. Anderson] ". Indictment. Case 3:06-cr-00099-JWS-JDR. Filed December 7, 2006 in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska. Retrieved on 2007-05-23.
* United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska. (2007-12-08). [http://anchorage.fbi.gov/doj/pressrel/2006/moneylaundering120806.htm "Alaska State Representative Thomas T. Anderson indicted on charges of extortion, conspiracy, bribery and money laundering."] Press release. Retrieved on 2007-05-23. Also available [http://www.adn.com/static/includes/fbi_raid/anderson_press_release.pdf through "Anchorage Daily News" website] .

External links

* [http://alaskareport.com/news1007/z46770_anderson_plea.htm "Corrupt Republican Anderson begs for mercy."] Continuing coverage of Alaska's Republican legislator scandal from "AlaskaReport News".
* [http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/ "Alaska Political Corruption."] Continuing coverage on the corruption scandal from the "Anchorage Daily News".

Persondata
NAME= Anderson, Tom
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Anderson, Thomas T.
SHORT DESCRIPTION= Public & government affairs consultant, politician
DATE OF BIRTH= August 4, 1967
PLACE OF BIRTH= Anchorage, Alaska
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=