James Trial Jury Selection Enters Day Three

The methodical process of whittling down an initial jury pool of 150 people continued at federal court in Newark on Tuesday in the first of two corruption trials of former Newark mayor and State Senator Sharpe James. Judge William Martini quizzed potential jurors in small groups and individually on an array of issues with the aim of determining whether they can be impartial and block out all they've heard in the news media about the high profile case.

Those jurors who pass the first round of questioning aren't guaranteed a seat on the jury. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will individually have an opportunity to challenge each juror in the final part of the process to seat 12 with seven alternates.

Some would-be jurors made it clear they could not serve. Juror #4 (all prospective jurors are identified by number in the courtroom) told Judge Martini he had a "jaded attitude about politicians" and that he could try to be impartial, but it would be "a stretch." The Hoboken resident was excused. So was an Irvington woman, juror #28, who said she'd have a hard time being fair because her father cheated on her mother. Prosecutors allege James' co-defendant Tamika Riley was his mistress, although that specific information was not detailed to potential jurors during the selection process.

James, 72, is charged with abusing his power by arranging for the sale of nine city-owned properties at discounted rates to Riley, 38. Prosecutors allege she then sold them for big profits.