Fraud Trial for Governor Opens

Jury selection began in Phoenix in the federal trial of Gov. Fife Symington, who faces fraud, extortion and perjury charges that could end his career and send him to prison. Questioning of prospective jurors focused on how panelists felt about bankruptcy and about whether it would color their view of Symington; whether the rich and powerful should get a break from the justice system; and labor unions, the apparent target of Symington’s alleged extortion. Symington, a colorful, 51-year-old Republican, faces 22 felony charges. Federal prosecutors will try to prove that he committed fraud, extortion and perjury in connection with real estate deals during the last decade.