By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Former Secretary of State Nancy Worley returns to a Montgomery courtroom today, as jury selection in her trial could begin. Earlier this week, a Montgomery judge delayed the start of a trial for Worley on misdemeanor and felony charges of violating the state's election laws. The judge questioned whether the felony charges should have been filed.
Worley is charged with violating election laws by sending campaign letters, campaign contribution envelopes and bumper stickers to five of her employees in the secretary of state's office.
Worley is charged under a state law that makes it a misdemeanor for a public official to ask for campaign donations from employees and a felony for an official to use his or her position to influence the vote of any person.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Truman Hobbs told attorneys he was having a hard time understanding how Worley's letter could be considered a felony.
The judge delayed Worley's trial today so he could hear another case, but indicated jury selection could begin by Thursday.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)