GOP Wants DeLay Case Heard By July 31

In addition to what I reported yesterday, AP reports that attorneys for the Republican Party of Texas and Chairwoman Tina Benkiser have asked that the Fifth Circuit for a partial stay of Judge Sam Sparks ruling that DeLay stay on the ballot and to hear oral arguments by July 31.

Jim Bopp, Benkiser’s attorney, cited that state deadlines for replacing DeLay start taking effect in late August.

Bopp has requested that the Court allow the party to take “preliminary steps” toward filling DeLay’s seat, arguing that such a stay would serve the public interest:

Lawyers for Texas Democrats don’t oppose an expedited hearing, but they are negotiating with the GOP lawyers on the timeline before the appeals court, said Democratic lawyer Cris Feldman.

Feldman said he believes the ballot dispute was already settled by Sparks’ ruling. He said Republicans have themselves to blame for the spot they are in.

“They put themselves in this predicament by working behind the scenes to rig the system prior to DeLay’s formal resignation on June 9,” Feldman said.

I haven’t seen the Republican’s petition for writ of certiorari to the Fifth yet, but when I do, I’ll pass it along.