Grimm trial to begin after midterms

The trial of Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) is slated to begin in early December.  

The Dec. 1 trial date is scheduled less than a month after the midterm elections, where Grimm faces a tough challenge, after his fundraising and reputation have taken a hit over the 20 criminal charges that were handed down in April. 

Grimm’s lawyers had requested to have the date pushed back until early January, according to reports. His lawyers argued the divisive campaign could bias the jury. 

{mosads}However, U.S. District Court Judge Pamela Chen said it would be hard to find a juror who had not heard about the case, whether it begins in December or January. Prosecutors had asked the judge earlier this year to begin the trial in October, ahead of the election. 

Grimm is facing 20 criminal charges stemming from his alleged concealment of more than $1 million in profits from a restaurant he owns in New York. He pleaded not guilty in April. 

In their attempt to get a longer cooling off period after the election, Grimm’s lawyers specifically cited the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee attack ads hitting the congressman over the charges.  

The Democratic committee released its second ad against Grimm on Sunday. He is facing off against Democrat Domenic Recchia in November in the swing Staten Island-based district.