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(s)Elections See other (s)Elections Articles Title: Indicted Ariz. congressman wants case dismissed It ain't that I is innocent.... but you suckers had no business catching me! Tain't fair!! By Arthur H. Rotstein, Associated Press Writer – Fri Oct 17, 10:13 pm ET TUCSON, Ariz. – Lawyers for U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi have asked a federal judge to dismiss corruption charges against him or bar prosecutors from using evidence gathered by the FBI, alleging that agents violated his constitutional rights as a congressman. Attorneys filed 19 motions in U.S. District Court in Tucson this week attacking prosecutors and investigators and challenging the government's case against the Arizona Republican, who was indicted with two co-defendants in February. Prosecutors allege Renzi promised to support proposed land exchanges sought by an investment firm and a company that owned mineral rights to a copper deposit on federal property in his district, but only if they bought property owned by a former Renzi business partner, James W. Sandlin of Sherman, Texas. The government contends that Renzi stood to benefit because Sandlin owed him money from a previous land deal. Renzi also is charged with stealing from his insurance company's clients to help finance an early campaign. Renzi's attorneys allege the government violated the Constitution's "speech or debate" clause by questioning Renzi's aides and having at least one aide secretly record telephone calls with him. A defense motion said the clause gives members of Congress protections for their legislative acts, including immunity from prosecution and a ban on using legislative act evidence at trial or before a grand jury. Renzi's attorneys argued that the constitutional protections extended to his aides unless he waived them — which he did not. Louisiana Democratic Rep. William Jefferson is using the same constitutional argument in seeking to have testimony from one of his aides thrown out in his pending corruption trial. A federal appeals court panel is mulling his request after a trial court turned it down. Renzi was named in 35 counts including conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, money laundering and insurance fraud. Renzi, Sandlin and Andrew Beardall of Rockville, Md., former president of Renzi's insurance firm, have pleaded not guilty. The U.S. attorney's office will reserve comment for the government's filings, which are due by Oct. 29, spokesman Wyn Hornbuckle said Friday in Phoenix. Kelly Kramer, a Washington-based attorney for Renzi, declined to comment. Defense responses to the government's filings are due by Nov. 13, and a hearing on the motions will be held Nov. 24 in Tucson, Hornbuckle said. Renzi's lawyers also have contended that improper government wiretaps captured more than four dozen conversations that he had with several of his attorneys, and that prosecutors listened in on some calls although such conversations are covered by attorney-client privilege. Renzi is not seeking re-election for a fourth term from Arizona's largely rural 1st District. Imagine that, not seeking re-election. who'd have thunk it. Indicted Ariz. congressman wants case dismissed">Click for Full Text!
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#1. To: richard9151 (#0)
Huge DOH.
Those still exist somewhere?
If you can't enrich yourself, and your buddies, while in congress, what's the point?
Understanding grows. See, I missed this all-important-point all this time! Amazing how slow I is.
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest.
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