Originally published February 4 2006
Judge indicates Tom Delay's trial will not be sped up
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Senior Judge Pat Priest may have dealt a strong blow to Tom Delay's chances of regaining his post as House Majority leader after refusing to speed the trial along, so that he may consider the merit of conspiracy charges filed against Delay.
So said Senior Judge Pat Priest in an e-mail ruling Saturday that was sent to attorneys in the case.
Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle initially brought both charges against the Texas Republican in September, but Priest tossed out the conspiracy charge earlier this month and Earle has appealed the ruling.
DeLay's attorneys had petitioned to have the charges separated into two trials so the proceedings on the conspiracy count could move forward swiftly, but a December 27 hearing on the matter has been canceled.
Dick DeGuerin, one of DeLay's attorneys, said he was surprised by the ruling, but added, "This fight is not over yet."
The lawyer added that he he will file a response Monday in both courts, asking that the appeal be dismissed and requesting a speedy hearing.
He further called Earle's appeal "frivolous" and said it was part of a strategy to prolong the matter.
Of DeLay, DeGuerin said, "He's anxious to get this behind him."
Earle could not be immediately reached for comment.
DeLay, who has represented his suburban Houston district since 1985, was forced to step down as House majority leader -- a post he'd held since 2002 -- after he was indicted on the conspiracy charge September 28.
A second grand jury handed down the money-laundering indictment five days later.
DeLay has said that he will be exonerated and that he intends to return to his House leadership position.
Priest's Saturday ruling pushes the proceedings further into next year and muddles the political timetable for DeLay, as leadership elections in the House Republican conference could take place in early 2006.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml