Bias at issue with jury pool in Nebraska congressman's trial

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Potential jurors were asked Wednesday whether their views on politics or law enforcement could influence their participation in the trial of a little-known Republican congressman from Nebraska who's accused of lying to federal authorities about illegal campaign contributions from a Nigerian billionaire.

With jury selection underway on the first day of trial, U.S. District Court Judge Stanley Blumenfeld queried possible members if their views about politicians could make it difficult for them to be impartial in the trial at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles. He also wanted to know if their views on the FBI and law enforcement could influence their assessment of witnesses' credibility.

Outside the courtroom, U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry declined comment when asked about the trial, the first of a sitting member of Congress in 21 years. It could all but end the political career of a congressman seen as a reliable conservative who coasted to easy wins but isn't a familiar name outside of Nebraska.

Among his questions, the judge also wanted to know if prospective jurors had been victims of crimes and, if so, could recall their experience with police investigators.

One potential juror, a man who said he was a fire alarm technician, said he had a skeptical view of politicians. “I don't generally trust the words they say,” he told the judge, but later told him he could put aside those feelings in the case.

Jury selection was expected to continue later Wednesday.

Fortenberry, who is running for reelection, took a big political hit when prosecutors announced the charges, and his indictment has already divided Nebraska Republicans who backed him for years.

“You have people on both sides," said Philip Young, a longtime Republican campaign and public relations...