PITTSBURGH — Jury selection is beginning in the public corruption trial of state Sen. Jane Orie and one of her sisters.

Before attorneys on both sides began the process of picking the jury the attorney for the lawmaker’s sister, Janine, asked that she be tried by the jury hearing the senator’s case. Janine Orie previously indicated she’d pursue a bench trial.

Sen. Orie is accused of using her taxpayer-funded staff to perform campaign and fundraising worker for herself and a third sister, Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin. Janine Orie is a Melvin aide who prosecutors say could order the lawmaker’s staff to do work on the judge’s behalf.

Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning today immediately eliminated 21 potential jurors from the pool of 86 because they’re from Sen. Orie’s district.