Attorneys for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry have asked a state appeals court to dismiss felony abuse-of-power charges against the possible 2016 presidential candidate on free-speech grounds.
In briefs processed Thursday by the Third Court of Appeals, Perry's lawyers argue that more than just their client's freedom is at stake.
They say the Republican was acting within his rights when he issued a 2013 veto.
His attorneys also have repeatedly sought to dismiss the case with the district court judge presiding over it.
Perry was indicted last summer by an Austin grand jury. He's accused of publicly threatening, then carrying out, a veto of state funding for public corruption prosecutors.
Perry left office last month, but plans to announce soon whether he'll run for president next year.
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