See this? DeLay Threatens Ronnie Earle

[AnnInLa]

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/000277.php

Earlier, we noted that Tom DeLay threatened to have Ronnie Earle's power removed: " can take his power away from him because there was the Texas legislature that gave him this power." He promised action in the next session of the legislature.

Now, Ronnie Earle was elected by the people of Texas, so the legislature can't just boot him. The way I see it, DeLay has two options: he could somehow use the Texas legislature to strip Earle's jurisdiction over the case, but that could get sticky. Or (eureka!) he could have the Texas legislature defund Texas' Public Integrity Unit, which would cut Earle off.

snip

Earle's office wouldn't comment on the matter. But they said a statement was forthcoming about the case now that DeLay has said he will step down from his seat.

Late Update: Here's Ronnie Earle's entire statement:

Tom DeLay's political status has nothing to do with the criminal charges against him. This changes nothing. His criminal cases will proceed just as they would for any other defendant. DeLay's ultimate fate will be decided by the public acting through a jury.

[Ksec]

1. Isnt that against the law too?

Threatening ? A government official ?

[Liberal In Texas]

2. It looks like Hot Tub Tom and his ilk are getting desperate. n/t

[GOPisEvil]

3. What DeLay is saying is true, actually.

By state law, official misconduct cases are prosecuted by the Travis County DA, not the Attorney General. That law could change, putting all cases under the AG's control. The AG would then withdraw the charges.

Ronnie Earle is only elected by the citizens of Travis County.

[AnnInLa]

4. Is that scenario likely?

[GOPisEvil]

5. It was tried last legislative session.

So, yeah, it could happen.