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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a Pennsylvania congressman's motion to dismiss a racketeering case against him, clearing the way for a trial scheduled for May. U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah is accused of accepting bribes and misusing campaign funds and charitable grants to enrich his family and friends. His dismissal motion cited a congressional privilege meant to protect lawmakers' independence from interference from the executive branch. The Philadelphia Inquirer (http://bit.ly/1S4wXpe ) reports that U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III ruled Wednesday that nothing in the indictment violates that "speech and debate clause" or "threatens the independence of Congressman Fattah acting in his legislative capacity." Defense attorney Mark Lee declined comment on the specifics of the ruling but said "We look forward to telling Congressman Fattah's side of the story." ___ Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com

Motion to dismiss congressman's racketeering case rejected