Jim Greer says he's the victim of political back-stabbing, that he was taking orders and doing what he was told.

But now, as he stands alone in front of a judge facing criminal charges of political fraud, some wonder: Who could go down with him?



"The question is Jim Greer's trial. Is he going to sing like a songbird?" pondered our political analyst, former state Rep. Dick Batchelor (D).

A long list of lawmakers have been deposed, and Greer claims several of them knew what was happening when thousands of dollars were filtered into a company called Victory Strategies, created by Greer.

"People are very nervous about this trial," said Batchelor. "It really depends how far this trial goes, and how much he's willing to disclose about who knew how much about what on his financial dealings."

"If you're looking at a potential jail sentence -- five, 10, 15, 20 years, or possibly one year or less -- it's there, and common sense might prevail," said political analyst and former U.S. Rep. Lou Frey (R). "I think what it could do is hurt you as far as people giving contributions. I could say, 'I don't want my money spent that way.'"



Many other political analysts have been expecting a plea agreement. It could keep Greer out of jail and possibly save face for other politicians who could have their names dragged through the mud.

But Greer's attorney, Damon Chase, said his client is innocent, and a plea is not an option.



"Absolutely not," Chase said after a status hearing on Tuesday. "He's going to clear his name, and then in a month and a half, he's going to have his name cleared, and we can get on with the civil case."



That's not the news the Republican Party of Florida may have been hoping for, as the trial is set to start Feb. 11, and the possibility of political dirty laundry airing out for all to see.

"So much time has passed since it first came out, but the trial will bring it back to the forefront. It could damage the party," said Batchelor. "The question is if the party is willing to make some concessions and change the way they do business."