A judge struck down former Texas Gov. Rick Perry's second request for dismissal of the indictment against him today. This means the case will likely extend for several months more in court, even as Perry continues to mount his presumed presidential campaign.
In August 2014, a Travis County grand jury indicted Perry on two felony charges related to his 2013 veto of funding for the county's Public Integrity Unit.
District Judge Bert Richardson, a Republican, denied Perry's request to throw out the case today. Perry was traveling in South Carolina.
Update 4:15 p.m.: Tony Buzbee, lead counsel on Perry's legal team, sent the following statement:
“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.”
Meanwhile Texans for Public Justice director Craig McDonald, who originally filed the complaint against Perry, said the following after today's ruling:
"Rick Perry, his high-priced legal team and out-of-state pundits have long argued that Perry's indictments are so flimsy that they will not stand up in court. Today a top GOP judge again refused to dismiss the case. The prosecutor and a grand jury have said there's compelling evidence against Perry. That evidence should be presented in court for all to see. The chances of that happening improved today."
Read the judge's order in full here.
Lawyers for Perry today immediately filed their intent to appeal the judge's decision.
Check out KUT's Rick Perry indictment timeline here.
