05:24 PM CST on Thursday, November 3, 2005

Associated Press

AUSTIN -- A judge from San Antonio will preside over the money laundering and conspiracy trial of GOP Congressman Tom DeLay.

AP

U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay

Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson late Thursday chose semi-retired Senior Judge Pat Priest— a Democrat.

DeLay says he’s innocent of conspiracy and money laundering charges related to campaign contributions for 2002 legislative races.

DeLay also wants his trial moved from Austin.

The decision for Priest to preside over the trial comes after another Democratic judge earlier this week was removed.

The defense had objected to State District Judge Bob Perkins of Austin, who’s donated to Democratic candidates.

That cleared the way for Republican Administrative Judge B.B. Schraub to consider naming a presiding judge.

Then prosecutors objected.

Schraub today stepped aside and asked Jefferson — a Republican — to pick a presiding judge.