NYT:

But the defense argues that a crucial element will require an exploration of Mr. Bloomberg’s campaign spending habits and tactics. At issue is why the mayor paid for ballot security in such an indirect fashion: donating $1.2 million to the state’s Independence Party, which then transferred most of it to Mr. Haggerty.

If the defense is allowed to have its way, election law experts say it could produce some awkward, embarrassing and dangerous moments for Mr. Bloomberg.

Henry T. Berger, a Democratic election lawyer, said: “From an election lawyer’s point of view, the interesting issue is the transfer of the funds from the mayor. It appears to most election lawyers that I’ve talked to that there’s at least one, and possibly two, violations in that transfer.”