by KYW's Tony Hanson

Soon-to-retire Pennsylvania state senator Vince Fumo was going to trial on Monday on federal fraud, obstruction of justice, tax evasion, and other offenses (see related story).

The case began with what was expected to be several days of jury selection.

A panel of 217 prospective jurors was being questioned about their ability to serve on a long trial (which is expected to last three months), their knowledge of the case, and whether they have any fixed opinions on Fumo's guilt or innocence.

There are 49 questions on the written questionnaire, including number 42 -- "Do you believe politicians and public officials are generally: (a) trustworthy, (b) untrustworthy, or (c) depends on the individual?"  And question number 31is, "Do you have any opinion about state senator Vince Fumo: (a) yes, (b) no, or (c) never heard of him?"

Prospective jurors will be asked about their answers to these and more questions, and then the attorneys will pick a group of 12 jurors and four alternates who will decide the fate of Senator Fumo and a co-defendant.
 
Fumo, who announced in March he would not seek re-election because of his legal and health problems, is charged with using his position and power to defraud the Independence Seaport Museum, another nonprofit organization, and the Pennsylvania state senate out of millions of dollars.

He also allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation.
 
Two former co-defendants and a former confidante and political adviser charged in a separate case are among the witnesses expected to testify against him.
 
But Fumo has pleaded not guilty in court, and he adamantly maintains his innocence.

(Photo of Fumo arriving at federal courthouse on Monday by KYW's Tony Hanson)