Former U.S. House majority leader Tom DeLay has appeared in a Texas courtroom for the first time on charges of money laundering and conspiracy.
Friday's expected arraignment was delayed pending a hearing on his request for a new judge.
Mr. DeLay's attorney filed a motion asking that Judge Bob Perkins in Austin, Texas, be replaced because he has contributed to a grassroots political action group, MoveOn.org that opposes Mr. Delay and supports Democratic Party candidates and issues. It is not clear when the hearing will be held to decide who will try the case.
The Republican lawmaker and two political associates are accused of funneling $190,000 in contributions from corporate donors through the national Republican Party into the campaigns of Texas Republicans running for the state legislature. Texas law forbids the use of corporate money in state political campaigns. All three have denied any wrongdoing.
Mr. DeLay said Friday he has been charged for "defeating Democrats and advancing the Republican agenda." He was forced to step down from the majority leader's post under House rules.
Some information for this report provided by AP.