Opening statements were held in the retrial of Ed McDonough. They were put on hold after an alternate juror informed the judge of a connection to the case. Our Megan Cruz has more from Troy on the developments.

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TROY, N.Y. -- Opening statements were Friday in the retrial of Ed McDonough. He's the Democratic Elections Commissioner charged with forging ballots to secure a Democratic win in the 2009 Troy City Council elections. McDonough's attorney says McDonough did not know about the scheme

Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Trey Smith called McDonough a crooked public official. Among his key witnesses are a number of Troy officials who have already pleaded guilty to their involvement in the scheme.

"He has been indicted for making false entries on absentee ballot applications without the authorization of the voters,” said Trey Smith, special prosecutor.

"This case is nothing more than a simple case about voter fraud committed by interested candidates and their operatives, workers, helpers who were on the street committing dirty, criminal acts to benefit themselves. Period," said defense attorney Brian Premo.

Witnesses will take the stand beginning on Monday.