DeLay Succeeds in Removing Judge

The Houston Chronicle calls the decision to remove the judge slated to hear a money-laundering and conspiracy case involving US Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) "unprecedented." Texas elects its judges based on party affiliation; most states require that judges be non-partisan. DeLay (R-TX) petitioned to remove the judge because he had donated about $5,000 to Democratic organizations in the last five years.

The new judge will be appointed by a Republican. DeLay -- who has raised nearly $1.7 million ($475,000 from Congressional Republicans) for his legal defense since 2000 -- is also seeking a change of venue. Austin is a Democratic stronghold.

Prosecutor Ronnie Earle called the political contributions "paltry, not a fraction what this defendant is capable of raising for his causes, including intimidating judges with whom he disagrees."

DeLay's defense attorney said the judge's actions "[show] him to be on opposite sides of the political fence than Tom DeLay" and, thus, his removal was necessary to "protect the integrity" of the judicial system. And what if the judge has contributed to Republican organizations? How will that protect integrity?

Technorati Tags and Profile
Tom DeLay, Politics, Ronnie Earle