Texas Appeals Court Considering Latest DeLay Request

AUSTIN – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in a Tuesday order asked prosecutors to respond to Rep. Tom DeLay's request that the justices dismiss charges against him. The court will then decide whether to take the case after the response is received.

DeLay is seeking a quick resolution to money laundering charges that forced him to give up his leadership post in the U.S. House. DeLay's attorneys have asked the court either to dismiss money laundering charges or to order a lower court to try him immediately.

DeLay attorney Dick DeGuerin took the case to the criminal appeals court Friday, one day after the 3rd Court of Appeals denied his request that the case be sent back to the trial court or expedited through the appeals process.

DeGuerin and a spokesman for Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle did not return phone calls seeking comment Tuesday night.

DeLay, a Republican from Sugar Land, was forced to step aside as House majority leader after he was indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges in September.

He denies wrongdoing and has been pressing for a quick resolution to his case so he can regain his post before his colleagues call for new leadership elections. His case was put on hold, however, when prosecutors appealed a judge's partial dismissal of the criminal charges.