Tom Fudge: Tomorrow, jury selection begins in the trial of Brent Wilkes. He's one of the defense contractors who is considered a co-conspirator in the corruption case that lead to the conviction of “Duke” Cunningham. Wilkes was the head of a locally-based company called ADCS. He was a friend and acquaintance of the former congressman.
He's accused of giving Cunningham $700,000 in bribes, in return for tens of millions of dollars in government contracts. The trial of Wilkes is expected to include many dramatic aspects, including testimony by Cunningham himself. In addition, Wilkes' attorney is trying to force several current members of congress to testify, including Congressmen Darrell Issa and Duncan Hunter , republicans from San Diego County.
Guest
- Seth Hettena , is the author of Feasting on the Spoils : The Life and Times of Randy "Duke" Cunningham, History's Most Corrupt Congressman . He will be covering the Brent Wilkes trial for KPBS News.
