Libby gets a trial date .. after the midterm elections

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The obstruction of justice trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby -- the former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney -- will begin almost a year from now, on January 8, 2007, a federal judge ruled Friday.

Adding an even heavier political cast to the case, Libby's trial will not take place until after the congressional midterm elections.

U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton said, "I hate having this case linger for that long, but I guess there is no alternative."