Jury selection in the corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has entered an important stage as candidates appear in court for interviews.

Proceedings resumed Thursday before Federal Judge Nancy Edmunds.

She and four defense attorneys are questioning potential jurors, who won’t be identified by name in court.

Kilpatrick, his father Bernard, ex-city water boss Victor Mercado and Kilpatrick pal Bobby Ferguson are accused of a sweeping corruption scheme.  The Kilpatricks are accused of shaking down contractors who wanted business or favors from Detroit city hall.  The government calls it the “Kilpatrick enterprise.”

All have pleaded not guilty.

Kilpatrick was mayor until fall 2008 when he resigned in an unrelated scandal.

The judge wants 18 jurors and alternates in time for opening statements September 14.