Opening statements got underway Tuesday in the corruption trial of state Sen. Thomas Libous.

Sen. Libous (R-Binghamton) is accused of lying to the FBI when he claimed he did not use his political influence to get his son, Matthew, a job at a Westchester law firm. Libous, who has terminal prostate cancer, is the second most powerful Republican in New York.

The state senator could spend the next five years in prison if jurors believe the testimony of disbarred attorney Anthony Mangone, who is the star witness in the case. Prosecutors claim Libous convinced Mangone's law firm to hire his son at top salary by promising them extra work.

During opening arguments, defense lawyers called Mangone a "morally bankrupt pathological liar" who is merely looking to avoid a 45-year prison term. Prosecutors maintain that is not the case at all.

Mangone is set to take the stand Wednesday and testify against the man he once called a friend.