Pollster Paul Talmey won't disclose who hired his firm to survey Eagle County voters about the Kobe Bryant case, but experts believe it's likely a step toward a possible defense bid to move the sexual assault trial of the Los Angeles Lakers star.

Talmey, president of Talmey- Drake Research & Strategy Inc. of Boulder, would say Friday only that he is working for a private client.

"We're doing a survey and interviewing people in Eagle County," was Talmey's lone comment.

He refused to answer any other questions, citing ethical considerations.

"You have to believe that he's working for 'Team Kobe,' " said Denver attorney Craig Silverman, a former prosecutor.

"They are the ones with an interest in possibly changing venue. (Eagle County District Attorney) Mark Hurlbert has made clear that he wants this case tried in Eagle County."

The Bryant case, in which the National Basketball Association superstar is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 19-year-old Eagle woman, has been the subject of intense national publicity since his July 4 arrest.

Bryant, 24, remains free on $25,000 bond. He is scheduled to face a preliminary hearing on the class 3 felony in Eagle on Oct. 9.