With the major COVID-19 distraction, many citizens in Shreveport and Bossier have little knowledge, if any, of several judicial races that will be on the November 3 ballot in both cities.

The posting of political yard signs, which are either loved or hated, is the first real sign of a political race.

Sorta like weeds popping up in the front yard before the grass really turns green.

On the east side of the river, Santi Parks has been campaigning for Bossier City judge for many months with billboards and large signs. To date, no other attorneys have announced in this race. Judge Tommy Wilson is retiring this year, and the judgeship is an open seat.

On the Shreveport side of the river, there has been widespread speculation that Shreveport City Judge Lee Irvin will either retire or be pushed off the bench by the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Irvin was involved in what many refer to as the "Quid Pro Ho" scandal. He was caught in bed with a criminal defendant on his court docket.

Emily Merckle jumped out first declaring her candidacy for Irvin's seat.

She posted billboards, a Facebook page and a campaign website. And now “Merckle for City Judge” yard signs have been "planted " in yards. (Merckle is the daughter of Focus SB editor and publisher John E. Settle Jr.)

Paul Wood has also jumped in this race. He, too, has posted billboards.

There will be two open judgeships on the Caddo First District Court bench on the November ballot. Both Judge Bobby Waddell and Judge Charles Tutt are retiring.

Don E. Hathaway Jr. announced his candidacy for Waddell's seat last fall. He has been campaigning since that time. To date, no other attorneys have announced in this race. Hathaway is the son of former Caddo Sheriff Don Hathaway Sr..

On the other hand, Tutt's seat has attracted three candidates: Chris Victory, Mary Winchell and Edwin Byrd III. Victory is the son of retired Supreme Court Justice Jeff Victory.

Qualifying for the fall elections is July 15-17. The primary/general election is Nov. 3, which also is the presidential election. Runoff races will be decided on Dec. 5.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE May 29 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.