Federal prosecutors want to start Republican New York Rep. Michael Grimm’s tax evasion trial in October, a month before Election Day.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James Gatta said in court Monday that motion procedures and hearings in the case could be held by the end of September with a trial starting the following month.

Grimm has been indicted on 20 counts for allegedly evading taxes by hiding more than $1 million in sales and wages while running a small Manhattan restaurant.

The Staten Island lawmaker and former FBI agent has pleaded not guilty. He says he’s the target of a political witch hunt aimed at driving him out of office.

The Staten Island Advance says Grimm’s new attorney wanted a three- to four-week delay so he could review case material.

(AP)