Jury selection begins in trial of Liu supporters

Jury selection began Monday in the federal trial of two campaign supporters accused of filing false fundraising campaign reports to benefit New York City Comptroller John Liu, a likely candidate for mayor, who has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Opening statements could begin as early as today in the trial of fundraiser Xing Wu Pan and former campaign treasurer Jia Hou in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

Judge Richard Sullivan asked the potential jurors at one point whether they had any "negative impressions" or opinions about politicians in general and the people who work for and support them.

Giggles that turned into outright laughter spread through the jury pool.

It was also clear that the publicity about the long-running investigation of Liu has caught the attention of people. Thirteen of the first 35 jurors questioned by the judge said they had heard or read about the case.

Hou and Pan are accused of conspiracy for using "straw donors" -- donors who are reimbursed by another person. Prosecutors said use of that tactic allowed donors to avoid contribution limits and defrauded the city of matching funds provided under the city's campaign finance law.

Before jury selection began, Hou's attorney, Gerald Lefcourt, questioned whether Liu aide Sharon Lee should be allowed to testify because prosecutors have said they do not believe she will testify truthfully to some aspects of the case.

Lefcourt said any aggressive fundraising effort at the time of the alleged conspiracy in 2011 could also be attributed to the desire of the Liu mayoral campaign to make an impressive showing of financial support in its early stages.

The judge said he would allow the Lee testimony and defense lawyers could challenge Lee on cross-examination.

The judge expressed some skepticism about the value of Lee's testimony. "I'm not sure, on balance, this issue will have good outcome for the government," he said.