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Former Rep. Pete Kott, now serving time in a federal prison in connection with his corruption convictions, is asking to be let out of prison while his appeals are heard.

Federal prosecutors have objected, and disagreed with Kott's attorney on Kott's likelihood of success.

In order to win release from prison pending appeal, Kott needs to present clear and convincing evidence that his appeal is likely to result in either a reversal of his conviction, or at least a new trial, prosecutors said. They said Kott failed to do that.

Kott represented Eagle River in the House of Representatives, but moved to Juneau after he was defeated for re-election in 2006. He worked locally in the flooring business.

During debate over Alaska's oil tax rates and natural gas pipeline construction in 2006, Kott solicited bribes from VECO Corp., a now-defunct oil field services company seeking a lower tax rate on the industry.

In Sept. 2007, Kott was convicted on three counts in connection with his taking thousands of dollars in cash and campaign expenses and seeking a job with VECO for a relative, in exchange for his performing official acts.

Kott argued that the jury was biased by comments made about him by an FBI agent explaining wiretaps placed in Suite 604 of Juneau's Baranof Hotel. In some of 56 recorded conversations, VECO owner Bill Allen was heard discussing with Kott the activities for which he was convicted.

Prosecutors said they were not targeting Kott in the investigation, they simply heard him talk with Allen, who they were investigating.

Prosecutors also said the comments made by the FBI agent in a court proceeding were not impermissible "vouching" for the evidence, but were harmless to Kott in any event.

Kott is currently an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Ore. He is scheduled for release in May 2013.

Kott had originally been scheduled to stand trial with Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch, who was indicted at the same time on charges of seeking a job with VECO in exchange for siding with VECO's position on the oil and gas issues.

• Contact reporter Pat Forgey at 523-2250 or e-mail patrick.forgey@juneauempire.com.