Denial of early trial hurts DeLay hopes of regaining House post

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-delay18.html

AUSTIN, Texas -- A state judge said Saturday he will not immediately consider separating two criminal charges against Rep. Tom DeLay to allow an early trial, another blow to the former House majority leader's hopes of regaining his post.

Earlier this month, Senior Judge Pat Priest dismissed a conspiracy charge against DeLay but refused to throw out more serious allegations of money laundering. Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle said last week he will ask an appeals court to reinstate the conspiracy charge.

DeLay's attorneys had hoped Priest would separate the charges to move forward on the money laundering charge while waiting for the appeals court decision.

DeLay, who denies wrongdoing, has been pressing for a quick resolution to his case so he can regain his majority leader job before colleagues call for new leadership elections next year.

Christmas (er...Holiday) recess?

from what I've read, if DeLay would have just let things alone and not protested the original judge assigned to his case, he probably would have been much better off, but he thought he would have appeared weak. Well, TS! I'm glad he's probably going to have to wait for his trial...hopefully MONTHS! Then there's those YEARS in a TX prison!!!