The election contest litigation filed by John Nickelson has been heard by both the Caddo District Court and the Court of Appeals. On Tuesday, Dec. 12 the Court of Appeals decision was released. Both courts have ordered a new election.
Henry Whitehorn filed an appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court on Thursday, Dec. 14.
The Supreme Court is NOT required to hear the case. Nor is the Court under any deadline to make its decision on hearing the case or letting the Second Circuit decision stand. For that matter the Supreme Court is NOT required to advise the public if the case is not to be heard.
There are seven justices on the Supreme Court and Justice Scott Crichton represents the district that includes Caddo Parish. Justice Crichton is certainly award of the major implications of the election challenge litigation and surely the others on the Court should be as well.
Yes, it is the holiday season, and the Justices probably have shopping to finish up and parties to attend, etc. The delay in this case is like saying "Bah Humbug" to the citizens of Caddo Parish. As former and beloved Second Circuit Judge Harmon Drew, now deceased, was fond of saying--"it’s not rocket science, so let’s figure this out."
The Supreme Court's decision to hear the case will be good news to some and bad to others. But bad news does not get better with time. It’s time for the Supreme Court to get on with this case--throwing lumps of coal to Caddo citizens is not excusable.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.