In the ongoing saga surrounding Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.), the 4th Circuit Appeals court ruled against Jefferson today, refusing to throw out most of the 16 charges against him.

Jefferson had tried to get many of the charges thrown out. Unless Jefferson appeals the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, the trial is set to begin in 2009.

Here's a reminder of the charges:

Jefferson, who is running for a 10th term in a Dec. 6 general election, is accused of bribery, racketeering and other charges as part of scheme the Justice Department says involved payments to family controlled businesses in return for his help winning contracts, mostly in Western Africa. He has maintained his innocence.

 

Jefferson recently prevailed in a run off to retain his Louisiana seat and will face the general election for that seat on December 6th.

Click here to see more on the history of Jefferson's indictment and trial.