When Sen. Rod Wright was indicted on charges of perjury and voter fraud last month, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg came to his defense.
"Rod Wright has my full support and is presumed innocent," Steinberg said at the time. "He will remain in his position in the Senate and I intend to personally contribute to his Legal Defense Fund."
Steinberg made good on that pledge, contributing $10,000 from his re-election committee to Wright's legal fund, according to reports filed this week.
Wright, a Democrat, is accused of fraudulently claiming he lives in an Inglewood rental complex in the 25th Senate District he represents. Prosecutors from the Los Angeles County district attorney's office allege Wright actually lives in a home in Baldwin Hills, part of the 26th Senate District. He is also accused of lying about his residence during a 2003 city council run, according to grand jury testimony transcripts unsealed this week.
Wright, who has pleaded not guilty, is next scheduled to appear in court Nov. 10. The "Taxpayers for Rod Wright Legal Defense Fund" committee has raised $68,000 to help pay for his legal bills, according to campaign disclosures reported on the secretary of state website.
PHOTO CREDIT: Sen. Rod Wright, D-Inglewood speaking on the Senate floor on Thursday, August 20, 2009. Hector Amezcua, Sacramento Bee.







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