DeLay Attacks Prosecutor and Judge

- Rep. Tom DeLay appeared in court as a criminal defendant for the first time Friday, listening while his lawyer pointedly asked the presiding judge to step aside for making campaign donations to Democrats and their liberal allies.

In a hearing that lasted less than five minutes, Judge Bob Perkins deferred further proceedings until a hearing can be held on the congressman's request for a new judge. DeLay will have a chance to plead innocent inside a courtroom later, and he made his claim vigorously Friday outside the state Capitol.

"I will be exonerated," the Texas Republican said, following with blistering criticism of prosecutor Ronnie Earle. The appearance came one day after DeLay was booked and photographed at a county jail.