Lawyers for Congressman Tom DeLay have filed a motion with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (the state's highest criminal appelate court) seeking either an immediate trial on the charges brought against him or the dismissal of all charges.

In a last-ditch effort to secure a speedy trial, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's attorneys today asked the state's highest criminal court to dismiss charges against him or order a lower court to try him immediately.

The money laundering and conspiracy case against the Republican congressman has been on hold while prosecutors appeal a judge's dismissal of some of the charges.

DeLay attorney Dick DeGuerin took the case to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals a day after a lower appeals court denied his request that the case be sent back to the trial court or expedited through the appeals process.

DeLay has been pressing for a quick resolution to his case so he can regain his post as majority leader before his colleagues call for new leadership elections next month.

The congressman is accused of illegally funneling corporate campaign contributions to GOP candidates for the state Legislature. Under Republican House rules, he was forced to step down when he was indicted in September.

DeGuerin said he asked the criminal appeals court for an expedited ruling, which he speculated could come as early as Tuesday.

Good luck, Congressman. Here's hoping you get a belated Christmas present from teh court -- your rights under the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Texas.

Posted by: Greg at 01:00 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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