A Democratic judge in Austin won't be presiding over the conspiracy and money laundering trial of GOP Congressman Tom DeLay.
A visiting judge Tuesday decided that Judge Bob Perkins should be
removed from the case.
DeLay says he's innocent of criminal charges related to the 2002
legislative races and contributions to Republican candidates.
The lawmaker from Sugar Land was indicted by a Travis County
grand jury.
DeLay's legal team raised fairness questions in asking that Perkins be removed -- saying the judge had donated to numerous
Democratic candidates.
Lawyers for DeLay also had subpoenaed Perkins to testify, but Judge C.W. Duncan early today ruled Perkins was not required to do so.
