LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Nevada political consultant has pleaded not guilty in an extortion case alleging he tried to sway a state lawmaker's vote almost a year and a half ago.
Lawyer David Otto said Monday that his client, Tony Dane, appeared by videoconference Friday before Clark County District Court Judge Michael Villani.
The judge scheduled trial next March.
Dane was indicted last month on charges including extortion and perjury.
He's accused of trying to get Republican Assemblyman Chris Edwards to change his vote for Assembly speaker in the weeks before the state Legislature convened in February 2015.
Dane also pleaded not guilty to illegally recording the phone conversations of some lawmakers.
Otto has called investigation politically motivated.
Dane runs a robo-call business that's used by several anti-tax legislative candidates.