The Republican Party of Texas has asked the Fifth Circuit to expedite its appeal of Judge Sparks’ ruling enjoining the removal of Tom DeLay’s name on the ballot. Time is of the essence because of deadlines for printing ballots and sending out overseas ballots. August 25 is the deadline for a declaration of DeLay’s ineligibility, if the Fifth Circuit overturns Sparks, and August 29 is the deadline for a party executive committee to deliver certification of a replacement nominee to the Secretary of State. If the case goes down to the wire, and DeLay is removed, the replacement nominee would have just a little over two months to campaign before the November 7 election.