Updated 11/14/2009 07:47 AM
Judge denies mistrial as Bruno calls for fair trial
Week two of the trial of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno wrapped up on Friday. Our Steve Ference has been following the trial and has more from the U.S. Federal District Court in Albany.
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ALBANY, N.Y. -- "Really amazed at what was going on," said former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.
Day nine of the trial began with the defense calling for a mistrial after a bizarre back and forth between Bruno's attorneys and prosecutors Thursday night, with each side trying to get the last word.
Bruno said, "There was nothing that I said that I thought was inappropriate."
But Judge Gary Sharpe said he heard Bruno say, "See, I told you the judge's rulings are unfair."
The defense argued for a mistrial because they said jurors witnessed the judge's demeanor that they believe showed favoritism toward prosecutors and that he authorized prosecutors to interrupt the defense's cross-examination of a key witness with their questions. Judge Sharpe, denying the mistrial, told the jury to forget what happened Thursday evening and admonishing Bruno's high-priced D.C. attorney for sending the jury home that night. The attorney profusely apologized.
"All I want is a fair and impartial trial," said Bruno. "I am innocent. There's a presumption in this country...we're not in a third world country. We're in the United States of America."
Testimony Friday included cross-examination of Ken Singer, the Wright Investors salesman who worked with Bruno, paying Bruno for business referrals, even as prosecutors say those clients had business before the Legislature. They accuse Bruno of using his influence to secure business for Wright.
In a memo, Singer wrote, "...The weight of Albany will make a difference if everything else is close."
But Singer explained he was just speaking as a hyped-up salesman.
Then jurors heard from another businessman, Russell Ball, who paid Bruno $270,000 for work that he did, but prosecutors say it wasn't really work and that it should have been counted as a gift and therefore should have been disclosed.
But Ball told the defense, "He gave me a lot of time on telephone calls and meetings in Albany...Motivation is a big factor - you talk to an enthusiastic person, you get enthusiastic yourself."
Bruno said, "A much better ending, and again, what I said earlier today and that's what I'm going to keep saying, all I've ever looked for is a fair trial."
The trial continues Monday.