The Mayor and the Contractor

A big-city mayor had a close friend who ran a construction business. Prosecutors said the mayor's office pressured companies bidding for city water and sewer contracts to bring the friend's firms in as partners, even when those firms were not the best choice and sometimes did no work at all. Contractors said they feared losing city business if they refused. The mayor said the government proved no real threats, only lawful politics, and that witnesses were allowed to give improper opinion evidence. Extortion here requires proof the victims paid out of fear.