Republicans want court to hear DeLay case

Republicans want court to hear DeLay case

By KELLEY SHANNON, Associated Press Writer
30 minutes ago

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Republicans want a federal appeals court to quickly resolve a dispute over whether former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay should remain on the November ballot, saying they are running out of time for replacing DeLay with another nominee.

Republicans said in filings sent Tuesday to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that there are deadlines in late August for replacing DeLay's name. Attorney Jim Bopp asked for an expedited hearing.

DeLay, who is awaiting trial on state charges of money laundering and conspiracy in a campaign finance case, won the Republican primary in March but resigned from Congress in June and said he has moved to Virginia.

GOP leaders want to replace the former U.S. House majority leader on the ballot and say state election law allows them to select a new candidate because DeLay moved out of Texas.

Democrats sued to block them. The party wants to keep DeLay and his legal troubles on the minds of voters and hopes to win his former seat in the 22nd congressional district, where Democrat Nick Lampson is running.
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