Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has successfully petitioned to remove the judge set to preside over the politician's campaign-finance trial.
In a Texas courtroom Tuesday, a retired district judge, C.W. Duncan, hearing the petition ruled in favor of the embattled Republican lawmaker.
Last week, Mr. DeLay's lawyer filed a motion asking that the trial's judge, Bob Perkins, be replaced because he has contributed to MoveOn.org, a political action group that has been critical of Mr. DeLay and supports Democratic Party candidates and issues.
Mr. DeLay and two associates are accused of illegally funneling corporate donations to candidates. All three have denied any wrongdoing.
Mr. DeLay was forced to step down from the majority leader's post under House rules, but retains his congressional seat. Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
