One current and one former state lawmaker took the stand in the public corruption trial of their former colleague Mike Veon on Monday, telling jurors about the card games and taxpayer-catered meals Mr. Veon once hosted in his legislative office.

Rep. Jim Wansacz, D-114, Old Forge, said he played in Mr. Veon’s regular Tuesday night basketball games, after which the participants would often reconvene in the Capitol for dinner, often takeout ethnic food picked up by state workers.

Mr. Wansacz and former Rep. Dan Surra both testified that some of the get-togethers also included cigar smoking and beer drinking.

Mr. Veon was a busy man, often pulled in many different directions during the day, Mr. Wansacz said.

“We did have to eat, and that was a way we could get together,” said Mr. Wansacz, who is running for the Democratic nomination to the 22nd District state Senate seat from which Sen. Bob Mellow is retiring.

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