Dan tries to plead insanity

From the NY Post:

Former City Councilman and “pagan prince” Dan Halloran now says he’s crazy — but it’s only to stall his trial next week on charges that he aided in Rep. Malcolm Smith’s plan to rig the mayoral race, prosecutors say.

Halloran (R-Queens) notified White Plains federal Judge Kenneth Karas this week that he “underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor” in May 2012 and wants to use insanity as a defense for his alleged aberrant ­behavior.

Assistant US Attorneys Douglas Bloom and Justin Anderson fired back with a letter to Karas, accusing Halloran of doing whatever it takes to delay the trial.

“Pretrial motions were due six months ago” but Halloran waited “until the week before trial to request an insanity instruction,” prosecutors wrote.

“Brain surgery, in and of ­itself, is not a basis for an ­insanity defense. Halloran does not allege that the surgery — which, based on press reports, involved the removal of a benign tumor from
above his ear two years ago — affected his cognition in any way. To the contrary, at the time, he claimed to have recovered well.

“Given that Halloran’s request was filed simultaneously with his application for a six-month continuance, it appears to be nothing more than an attempt to ­delay the trial,” the prosecutors said.

This explains everything...

As a member of the City Council, I'm used to my every move being public. It's one of the downsides to a life of public service, but I have grown accustomed to it. Today, however, I need to share with you something about the most private of subjects - my personal health.

On Wednesday, I will undergo a neurosurgical procedure to remove a benign tumor. It's a lengthy operation that will require me to remain in the hospital for the rest of the week. Then, after all goes well, I'll return home to rest and recuperate. My doctors expect a speedy recovery, and I hope to be back on my feet within a few weeks -- and get back to the business of serving you in City Hall and fighting for our district, the middle class, and our shared values.

I had the good fortune to have been timely diagnosed, back in March. Since then, I have introduced legislation to reform the Board of Standards and Appeals, fought against the DEP's water rate hikes, and helped revitalize a blighted lot in Whitestone. And I've gone to every Council meeting, attended all hearings for the committees I oversee, and been to a host of events to support our local charitable organizations, youth sports associations, and senior centers. While this has been in the back of my mind the whole time, as you can see, it hasn't slowed me down. Nothing can.

As with any operation, there is the potential for complications. I'll admit to being afraid. Who wouldn't be?

But my surgery is a small ordeal compared to what many New Yorkers are going through. I will keep you all in my mind as I fight through this surgery so I can get back to working for you.

I am fortunate to have good doctors working to resolve my health issues and a great staff who will be there for our community day in and day out. There will be no lack of attention to your needs while I am on the mend, and my staff will continue to provide the best constituent service in the City of New York.

In the meantime, I ask for your thoughts during these next two weeks, and welcome the prayers and well-wishes of those who have expressed their concern.

It is deeply gratifying to realize how much so many of you care. Know that I will be back to fight for you and for our neighborhoods as soon as possible.

In Service,

Dan Halloran

I personally wish Dan a speedy recovery since half of my material is derived from his antics.