Former Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison in a scheme to bribe his way onto the ballot for the 2013 New York City mayoral election.

His co-defendant, Vincent Tabone, the former Queens Republican vice chairman, was awaiting sentencing later Wednesday.

A federal jury found Smith guilty of bribery conspiracy, wire fraud, use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion. He and a co-defendant are to be sentenced Wednesday.

Smith wanted to be mayor but sought to avoid a Democratic mayoral primary. He instead decided to obtain the backing of Republican leaders in three boroughs, which would allow him to run for the GOP line, the indictment said. Prosecutors said he authorized bribes totaling about $200,000.

The five other politicians who were arrested with Smith were convicted or pleaded guilty.

(AP)