Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, who served time in jail after being convicted of corruption in 2003, is suing Connecticut in an attempt to gain access to public funding to run for governor.

The lawsuit comes as Ganim tries to change the law that prevents ex-felons from receiving millions in campaign grants.

In 2003, Ganim was convicted by a federal jury on 16 felony counts of racketeering, bribery, conspiracy, mail fraud and tax evasion for accepting more than $500,000 in cash, diamonds, expensive wine, tailored clothing, high-priced meals and home renovations in a widespread kickback scheme that led to the convictions of 10 of his associates.