ABINGTON — Pennsylvania state prosecutors won a first step Wednesday in their corruption case against state Sen. Leanna Washington, securing a judge’s ruling that they have enough evidence for a trial on charges that Washington crossed the line when she allegedly ordered taxpayer-paid employees to organize an annual “birthday party” political fundraiser.

For eight years, Washington pressured her Senate staff to devote weeks to drawing up guest lists that included city and state officials, creating invitations and taking money from invitees that ultimately went to Washington’s campaign account, prosecutors say.

They also allegedly used taxpayer-paid computers, copiers and office supplies.

Washington, 68, declined to comment after the two-hour hearing at Kessler’s Montgomery County office. Washington, a Democrat who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, is running for a third full term this year.

The charges against Washington include one count each of theft of services and conflict of interest, both felonies. The attorney general’s office estimated the monetary loss to the state could be more than $100,000.

She is scheduled for a formal arraignment May 7, just 13 days before her contested primary election against two Democratic Party challengers.