Trial delayed for state representative accused of making obscene phone calls

The state representative accused of making obscene phone calls got a “sick day” today. Representative Michael Cataldo of Des Moines was in an Indianola courtroom to stand trial, but Cataldo told the judge he was sick. The judge o-kayed a delay — ’til June 7th. Cataldo’s attorney, William Kutmus says his client was “sicker than hell” when he visited him last night. Kutmus says the judge today concluded he indeed was sick.Kutmus denied it was “chicanery” or faking on his client’s part.Kutmus says Cataldo needs to testify in his own defense, and wouldn’t have been up to the task today. Kutmus says Cataldo’s political career is on the line — and his marriage may be on the line, too. He says he didn’t want Cataldo to pass out. Cataldo was scheduled to visit a doctor this afternoon. It’s the third time Cataldo’s trial on the simple misdemeanor charge has been delayed. Cataldo, who is a democrat, is seeking re-election to his House seat.