AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ A state appeals court in Texas is throwing out one of two felony indictments against former Gov. Rick Perry. The court today sided with Perry’s attorneys, saying the charge of coercion of a public servant essentially constituted a violation of Perry’s free speech rights. Perry was indicted last summer on that charge and a charge of abuse of official power. The abuse of power charge wasn’t affected by today’s ruling. The charges stem from Perry publicly threatening, and then exercising, a veto of state funding for public corruption prosecutors after the head of that unit was convicted of drunken driving.
Following the announcement, Perry’s lead defense attorney, Tony Buzbee of Houston, released the following statement:
“This is a clear step towards victory for the rule of law. The only remaining count we believe to be a misdemeanor, and the only issue is whether the governor’s veto – or any veto in the absence of bribery – can ever be illegal. The appeals court made clear that this case was questionable. The remaining charge is hanging by a thread, and we are confident that once it is put before the court, it will be dismissed on its face.”