Case Against Former Gov. Perry to Proceed
by Terri Langford * Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout
A judge on Tuesday rejected former Gov. Rick Perry’s attempt to throw out a two-count indictment against him, saying it's too early in the case to challenge the constitutionality of the charges.Updated from Perry Indictment
Perry was indicted on August 15,2014 over allegations he abused the power of his office by threatening to veto funding for the state’s public integrity unit unless Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg, who had pleaded guilty to drunken driving, resigned. The public integrity unit, which is charged with investigating and prosecuting state corruption, is housed within the Travis County district attorney's office.
Lehmberg, a Democrat, refused to step down. Perry later made good on his threat, vetoing the approximately $3.7 million per year budgeted to fund the unit.
Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg Drunk Driving Arrest Dash Cam
Published on Apr 23, 2013
Travis County Sheriff's Deputy's conduct a roadside sobriety test on Travis County DA Rosemary Lehmberg.
Statement by Tony Buzbee, Lead Counsel on Governor Perry's Legal Team
AUSTIN – Texans for Rick Perry released the following statement
today in response to the Travis County court ruling:
“Governor Perry acted lawfully and properly exercised his power
under the law as Governor to protect the public safety and integrity of
government. Continued prosecution of Governor Perry is an outrage and sets a
dangerous precedent in our Democracy. America’s commitment to the Constitution
and the rule of law is at stake in this case, which is why we will immediately
appeal this decision to the Third District Court of Appeals.”
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry will deliver a statement regarding the Travis County
Court’s ruling. The governor will be joined by members of his legal team.Wednesday, January 28
11:00 a.m. – Austin
Omni Hotel Austin
Lone star Room, Second Floor
700 San Jacinto Boulevard
Governor Abbott Statement on Prosecution of Governor Perry
Governor Greg Abbott today released the following statement regarding the decision to allow legal proceedings against former Governor Rick Perry to move forward:
“The Texas governor is endowed by our Constitution with the authority to veto legislation, and it is outrageous and inappropriate that a Governor would be prosecuted for exercising that authority. The continued legal proceedings against Governor Perry conflict with the authority granted to all Governors by the Texas Constitution, and I trust they will be ultimately resolved in a manner consistent with the Constitution.”
