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A House committee charged with determining former speaker Ray Sansom�s future in the state legislature will continue its investigation, despite protests from Sansom�s attorneys. As Whitney Ray tells us, the decision to move forward comes as Sansom�s criminal chargers are being contested.

Former House Speaker Ray Sansom faces a perjury charge for reportedly lying about sending six million dollars to build an aircraft hanger for a political contributor. Last month a Leon County Judge dropped an official misconduct charge against Sansom. State Attorney Willie Meggs is appealing the judge�s decision to the First District Court of Appeal.

Sansom�s lawyer was before a legislative committee Thursday investigating the former speaker, asking members to postpone the hearings.

�There is a seven month window,� said Attorney Richard Coates.

A special prosecutor insisted on moving forward.

�The public�s interest in the integrity of the legislative process is at stake,� said Melanie Hines, the independent counsel hired by the House Committee to investigate Sansom.

The committee sided with the prosecutor, but after the vote, members were sullen.

�This is not a pleasant job for any of the members on this panel. It�s not why we ran for office, but we have a job to do and we will do it,� said committee chairman Bill Galvano.

A job that could result in the expulsion of their former legislative leader. The committee could decide at a later date to postpone their investigation, but if everything goes as planned the House will hold its hearings the week of January 25th.