The DeLay Game

First we got this from Denny Hastert:

Hastert has scheduled the first House session of 2006 for Jan. 31 -- after a holiday break of more than a month, and two weeks after senators are due to return to Washington. The late start gives DeLay, a Texas Republican, a greater amount of time with which to dispose of the charges, as new leadership elections could not occur until the House is back in session.

Now we get this from the folks prosecuting Tom DeLay:

Prosecutors asked a judge Monday not to let Rep. Tom DeLay's trial begin while they appeal the dismissal of one of the three campaign-finance charges against the former House majority leader.

If Judge Pat Priest agrees to a delay, it could be another blow to DeLay's hopes of regaining his leadership post.

The Texas Republican was forced to step down under House GOP rules after being charged earlier this year, and he cannot regain his post as long as he remains under indictment. For that reason, he has asked for a dismissal of the case, or else a prompt trial, in hopes of becoming majority leader again when Congress reconvenes in late January.

I'd be suprised if the judge agreed to delay DeLay's trial, but all this back and forth is certainly good for a laugh.