[StBernard] Judge rules St. Bernard sheriff candidate cannotseek election

[Westley Annis]

Jer, I suspect this issue with Bernadas is far from over.  This sounds
exactly like some challenges done in last year's election in the city
involving both candidates in voters.  In the end, the challenges were thrown
out in lieu of the displacement issues caused by Katrina.  Expect this one
to end up with the La. Supreme Court and don't be surprised if the high
court rules in favor of Bernadas.  I suspect the high court of the State,
being all elected politicians, will not want to open a Pandora's Box on
challeges against displaced residents who have already been punished enough.
The principle of their ruling, if it goes against Bernadas, could easily be
used to challenge any voter as well.  (Hint: can't you see a black candidate
claiming this to be racism?  I sure as hell can).  And I'm not so sure the
State Supreme Court is going to want to go there.

I'm sure Bernadas' attorney will bring up this possible racism scenario in
argument.  You have a black associate justice on the court.  Plus, the Court
is pretty liberal to boot anyway.  Their ruling in Bernadas' favor avoids a
lot of future mess.  They might see the practicality of such thinking.
Remember, like anyone else, the Supreme Court makes its decisions based on
politics as much as law.

- John Scurich