On Monday, jury selection begins for Ed Mangano and John Venditto's federal corruption trial.

Both Mangano and Venditto were in court on Thursday for pre-trial hearings.

The former Nassau County Executive says he's optimistic. “It’s been a long road, we've taken a lot of hits and we'll have an opportunity.  This is our system, I have a lot of confidence in our judicial system, and we'll have the opportunity to see it to its end,” said Mangano.

Mangano and Venditto, the former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor, are accused of accepting bribes in exchange for vendor contracts.

Mangano's wife Linda is charged with making false statements, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.