Craddick strikes deal to avoid testifying -TX House Speaker

[Rose Siding]

AUSTIN -- Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick has struck a deal not to appear in a civil trial dealing with allegations that Republicans illegally raised and spent corporate money in the 2002 elections.

Five Democratic state legislative candidates who lost in 2002 are suing Bill Ceverha, the treasurer of the Texans for a Republican Majority political action committee, accusing him of spending illegal corporate donations in their campaigns. The lawsuit parallels a Travis County grand jury investigation that has resulted in indictments against three political consultants.

The trial, which starts Monday, will mark the first time allegations over the campaign contributions have hit a courtroom.

Lawyers for the Democrats had subpoenaed Craddick to testify and produce documents. But Roy Minton, the speaker's lawyer, negotiated a deal this week that excused Craddick from appearing, the Austin American-Statesman reported in its Saturday editions.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3058723

[mike_c]

1. it doesn't sound like the plaintiffs got much in exchange....

eom

[Straight Shooter]

2. I remember this bozo and his big mouth, when the Dems walked out

Remember that brief and shining moment of unity when the Texas Dems walked out on the legislature? Well, there was Cranky Craddick, flapping his lips, saying, "We're calling them the Chicken D's."

Well, the label never stuck. I wish I could say the same for the memory of that old man acting like a mean-spirited 5-year-old on a playground.