[Pessimist]

"But in a surprise move Tuesday, the government vowed not to introduce the tape and asked that the judge ban the defense from using it as well, claiming it was hearsay.

A transcript of the tape obtained by The Times-Picayune shows that while some parts could have helped bolster the government's case, others contained potentially embarrassing details about the fast-and-loose practices of top Democratic fund raisers and party officials. The judge ultimately agreed to exclude its contents. "

Huh!?

So the government itself decided not to introduce the tape, the "smoking gun" into evidence because it might embarass some high ranking Dems!???????

What's up w/ that?

[b4its2late]

embarrassing details about the fast-and-loose practices of top Democratic fund raisers and party officials.

Future indictments?

[aposiopetic]

If you have evidence that could just as easily be excluded, it can be better to proceed with other evidence that is less iffy than to risk having a good conviction overturned solely on the basis of some "bad" evidence having been let in.

It does happen.

[eureka!]

Nothing nefarious. Here's the reason the prosecutor did not want to introduce the tape: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1406202/posts

[cyncooper]

Relax. They asked Reggie about the conversations and he testified as to what was said.

It was established he wore a wire, they just didn't play the tapes.