A Top State Corruption Fighter Resigns. Now What?
Alabama Media Group Columnist John Archibald
Alabama Deputy Attorney General Matt Hart, one of the most feared people in Alabama politics, is out. Attorney General Steve Marshall accepted Hart’s resignation Monday. Especially significant is that Hart established himself over the years as one of the state’s top corruption fighters, particularly in the case against indicted former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard. WBHM’s Gigi Douban spoke with Alabama Media Group columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner John Archibald about Hart’s departure and what it means for corruption here.
Hart was a bulldog, Archibald says, who made many enemies over many years exposing ethics violations among state and local leaders. In addition to prosecuting Hubbard under Luther Strange, then-attorney general of Alabama, Hart was involved in prosecuting former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, several Jefferson County commissioners, and Birmingham Water Works officials for corruption.
Hart’s job was to investigate complaints of public officials. Archibald says Hart’s job also was to loudly defend the state ethics law and resist efforts to weaken it, especially following the indictment of Hubbard.
It’s unclear the exact circumstances around Hart’s departure. “With 99.9 percent degree of certainty, I can tell you he did not resign on his own,” Archibald says. “And it comes as no surprise because Steve Marshall and Matt Hart were like oil and water from the beginning.” People who were involved in Hubbard’s indictment as witnesses were strong supporters of Marshall, Archibald says. And Archibald says Marshall had business ties to others connected to Hubbard.
Marshall on Tuesday announced the appointment of Hart’s replacement, longtime federal prosecutor Clark Morris. Morris takes over the special prosecutions unit, which investigates public corruption and white-collar crime. “Public corruption continues to be a scourge on our great state, and I am confident that the people of Alabama will be well served by Clark in this role,” Marshall said in a statement. He said her experience and strong working relationship with the U.S. Department of Justice will make the special prosecutions unit more effective in partnering with federal law enforcement to target public corruption.
Morris, a native of Alexander City, has worked at the Department of Justice for 20 years. She was an assistant U.S. attorney in both the middle and northern districts of Alabama.
It’s unclear where Hart will land after his departure this week. “That is a big mystery,” Archibald says. “He’s a lawyer who’s made a lot of enemies among lawyers, so it’s going to be really interesting to see where he ends up.”
Looking for a new book this week? Here are 5 wide-ranging options
A true smorgasbord is on offer for readers this week. Care for an inspirational memoir? Reminders of the precarious position of civilization? Early summer read? They're all here.
Joan Didion leaves one more piece of writing to faithful fans
Didion's book is an intimate chronicle of the author's struggle to help her daughter, even if it meant digging into her own long-unexamined neuroses.
Senate Democrats press Hegseth for answers on Trump order to ban transgender troops
Lawmakers are asking the Defense Secretary to explain how the Pentagon is complying with court rulings blocking President Trump's executive order attempting to ban transgender troops from service.
Trump wants a Golden Dome over America. Here’s what it would take
Experts are divided whether a new missile defense system for the U.S., inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, would be worth the cost.
Public viewing for Pope Francis begins Wednesday ahead of Saturday funeral
Faithful from around the world are pouring into the Vatican, where Pope Francis' body will go on display Wednesday, ahead of a funeral Saturday.
Hundreds of scholars say U.S. is swiftly heading toward authoritarianism
Most — but not all — political scientists are deeply troubled by the president's attempts to expand executive power, according to a national survey.
