In court papers filed earlier this month in U.S. District Court, defense attorney James Wendt argued that Kott isn't likely to flee, isn't a danger and has a good chance of winning on appeal.

Prosecutors oppose the motion but haven't filed a detailed response.

U.S. District Judge John Sedwick gave prosecutors until Dec. 9 to respond.

A federal jury convicted Kott in September 2007 of bribery, conspiracy and extortion for his role in advocating an oil tax pushed by Veco Corp. executives and favored by North Slope oil producers. He received nearly $9,000, a political poll for his re-election campaign and the promise of a lobbying job, all from Veco executives, according to trial testimony.

Kott, 59, is serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sheridan, Ore.