Ronnie Earle seems intent on dragging this thing out as long as possible, appealing the dismissal of an indictment that his subsequent actions show that even he knew was defective.

Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle asked a judge Monday to stay all proceedings in the money-laundering case against U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay while he appeals the dismissal of a related conspiracy charge.

If granted, a stay could hamper DeLay's efforts to get a January trial. An early trial is key to the Sugar Land Republican's hopes to regain his position as House majority leader.

Kevin Madden, a spokesman for DeLay, said the "decision to appeal shows that Ronnie Earle is only interested in persecution by prosecution."

"The judge's decision to swiftly dismiss Ronnie Earle's baseless and manufactured indictment last week was the correct decision then, and it will be the correct decision when this hopeless attempt to appeal is ultimately rejected," said Madden.

DeLay's lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, said he will oppose the motion to stay. DeGuerin last week asked Senior District Judge Pat Priest to separate the money-laundering charge and schedule a trial in January.

Priest said in an e-mail to reporters Monday night that he will hear the state's motion to stay and DeLay's motion to sever the money-laundering charge on Dec. 27.

Priest on Dec. 5 threw out charges accusing DeLay and two associates of conspiring to violate the state election code, but upheld charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

HereÂ’s hoping that Pat Priest directs Earle to be prepared to proceed with trial at the earliest possible date. Tom DeLay is legally entitled to a speedy trial, not one stalled by a prosecutor who is more interested in headlines and political vendettas than in seeking justice.

Posted by: Greg at 12:13 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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