The vote was 7 to 1, after five members walked out rather than consider the dismissal motion.

The senators deliberated behind closed doors and voted on the dismissal motion without any public debate.

A ruling on the dismissal motion is set for Tuesday.

Dropping the dismissal motion is perhaps the only gambit available to the Democrats.

But the troopers' lawyers said they would file dismissal motions by Sept. 14.

Three days later, after arguing standard dismissal motions, the defense stunned the court by resting as well, without calling a single witness.

At a hearing today, also scheduled for 5 P.M., they will present their response to the dismissal motion, and the judge could make a ruling.

Seven defendants in the 28 Middlesex cases are not involved in the current dismissal motion.

The dismissal motion was made by the prosecution.

Goldman, Sachs, one of the brokers involved, settled the case before the hearing on the dismissal motion, agreeing to pay damages.