Matt Snyder was not at the trial. Apologies to Mr.Snyder!
Matt Kay was in attendance.
Here is the skinny on the hearing yesterday:
1. All Caddo judges refused.
2. Supreme Court Justice Crichton appointed retired Judge Joseph Bleich from Ruston to hear the case.
3. The trial started at 9:30 am and concluded at 3:45 p.m. with a two-hour lunch break.
4. John Nickelson was represented by NOLA attorney Scott Steinberg and the Shreveport firm of Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway. Whitehorn was represented by the Baton Rouge firm of Gray Sexton and local attorney of Carl Franklin.
5. The chambers were full of spectators, and many were turned away, including former TV anchor Gerry May. The audience included former mayor Adrian Perkins, former council clerk Shanerika Fleming, Eric Hatfield, Lynn Braggs, Alvin Oliver, Michael Williams, Linius Mays, Wendell Delaney, Royal Alexander, Matt Snyder, Caddo Commissioner Grace Ann Blake, Ken Antee, Candy Peavy, Susan Bairnsfather, Jon Glover, and many others including Nickelson's wife and mother.
6. Evidence was admitted that two people voted twice, four interdicts voted, and one person was dead the day the absentee ballot was executed.
7. Voter Registrar Dale Sibley identified many absentee ballots that were not correctly executed but counted in the election.
8. A box of 44 ballots was introduced that had not been counted because not correctly executed, much like those that were admitted.
9. Nickelson's attorney must submit briefs to Caddo Clerk Mike Spence by noon this Sat. (Dec.2) and Whitehorn's attorney must file briefs by Mon (Dec. 4) by noon.
10. Bleich may have a decision by Tues. (Dec. 5), Wed. at the latest.
It is expected that an appeal will be filed by the non-prevailing party. These cases are tried on the expedited.