Cash Bribes Described at Ex-Lawmaker’s Corruption Retrial

New York state Sen. Malcolm Smith leaves federal court in White Plains, N.Y., on April 23, 2013. Smith and former Queens Republican leader Vincent Tabone are accused of scheming to bribe Republican leaders so Smith, a Democrat, could run for New York City mayor on the GOP line. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Jurors will see video recordings of political party leaders accepting bribes—envelopes stuffed with cash—that were meant to get former state Sen. Malcolm Smith a spot on the 2013 New York City mayoral ballot, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Smith’s second trial on corruption charges—the first ended last year in a mistrial—began Tuesday with opening statements.

Smith, a Democrat, wanted “to avoid a primary and jump right into the general election,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Perry Carbone said. So he authorized bribes of up to $25,000 to get permission from Republican Party leaders to run for mayor on the GOP line, Carbone alleged.

Jurors will see video recordings of political party leaders accepting bribes.