Was the Justice Department Using Prosecution as a Political Strategy?

Two months ago, Alabama's former Democratic Governor Don Siegelman was sentenced to seven years for bribery and obstruction of justice. He was immediately shackled and denied release on bail pending appeal. He did not even get the usual 45 days to put his affairs in order. Democrats in Congress are investigating his prosecution and his conviction. Forty-four former state attorneys general—including Republicans—have asked Congress to investigate "irregularities" they say question the "basic fairness that is the linchpin of our system of justice." Alabama is in an uproar over a case that could have national implications. Has the Bush Administration played politics with the power of prosecution to influence elections? Are the Democrats misusing their power to conduct investigations?