Good news from Tulia

Governor Perry managed to pull his head out of the redistricting controversy long enough to issue pardons for 35 people convicted in the Tulia, Tx drug scandal (for background on the Tulia cases, see here and here)

Gov. Rick Perry on Friday pardoned 35 people who were arrested in the 1999 Tulia drug busts and convicted based on the testimony of a lone undercover agent later charged with perjury.

"I believe my decision to grant pardons in these cases is both appropriate and just,'' Perry said in a statement.

The governor said he was influenced by questions about the testimony of Tom Coleman, the only undercover agent involved in the busts. In June, Perry signed a bill allowing the release of the 12 Tulia defendants who were still in prison. The father of a man sentenced to 20 years in prison on Coleman's word called Friday's pardons "fantastic.''

"We've been waiting for this for four years,'' said Freddie Brookins Sr., whose son was released in June.