One of Delays charges thrown out.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051206/ap_on_go_co/delay

Judge Pat Priest dismissed a conspiracy charge against DeLay in his ruling Monday, but with the more serious charges still intact, the case heads closer to trial ? although other defense objections remain to be heard.

DeLay's hopes of reclaiming his powerful position as House majority leader were dealt a blow by the ruling. He had hoped to have the charges resolved by the time Congress reconvened in late January, so he could step back into his role as majority leader. Although Monday's ruling was a partial victory, DeLay cannot reclaim the post because he is still under indictment.

And the longer the House goes without a permanent majority leader, the more likely it is that Republicans will elect a new one.

The ruling comes after a hearing late last month in which the Republican's attorney argued the indictment was fatally flawed.

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I believe this is the beginning of the end for Ronnie Earle.