Former US House Majority leader Tom DeLay appeared in a Texan court Friday for the first time since he was indicted on conspiracy and money laundering charges.

However, arraignment on the case was delayed pending a hearing on his request for placing a new judge in the highly profiled case.

After court appearance, DeLay told a news conference that he is innocent and the charges are politically motivated.

The 58-year-old Texan Republican also said he wants a speedy trial.

DeLay was forced to resign from his House post earlier this month after a grand jury in Texas indicted him and two political associates of conspiring to violate Texas' state campaign finance laws and money laundering.

The charges stem from allegations that a DeLay-founded Texas political committee funneled corporate money into state Republican legislative races through the National Republican Party.

It is considered as a felony in Texas because state law prohibits use of corporate money to elect state candidates.

DeLay could face up to life in prison if convicted of money laundering, and up to 20 years of imprisonment for conspiring to commit money laundering.

The former second highest-ranking House Republican represents the 22nd congressional district of Texas.

An 11-term congressman, DeLay had been admonished last year by the House Ethics Committee on three separate issues.

He was also the center of a political storm earlier this year over allegations of his foreign trips paid by lobbyists.

Analysts said DeLay's indictment could have far-reaching implications for US politics.

As the 2006 congressional elections draw near, Democrats are seeking to use him as an evidence of ethic problems in the Republican camp.

Source: Xinhua