CAPITAL CITY
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p Battle for the Court ®
Thursday, September 20, 2012 • Vol. 21, No. 3 • 16 Pages • www.capitalcitynews.us • Phone 225-261-5055
Control of La. Supreme Court Hangs in Balance
Judges Among Eight Candidates To Fill Vacancy On High Court
CANDIDATES FOR LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT are (1st row) Republican judges Toni Higginbotham, Jeff Hughes, Tim Kelley, Bill Morvant, and Duke Welch and (2rd row) Judge John Guidry (D), independent Jeffrey Sanford, and Mary Olive Pierson (D).
BATON ROUGE — An impending vacancy on the Louisiana Supreme Court caused by the resignation of Chief Justice Kitty Kimball later this year has left the philosophical direction of the court hanging in the balance and local judges and attorneys scrambling. Eight candidates are seeking the seat, including four Court of Appeal judges, two District Court judges, and two local attorneys. Meanwhile, many lawyers who often contribute to judges’ campaigns are sitting on the sidelines, afraid to contribute to any candidate, lest they offend the others. Judge John M. Guidry is considered the leading Democrat, but many attorneys believe the top Re-
Holden’s Charisma, White Support Make Him Formidable Woody Jenkins
Editor, Central City News
BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Kip Holden had a career as a radio and television newsman before being elected as a City-Parish Councilman and then serving 20 years as
a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. Elected as Mayor-President in 2004, Holden has now served eight years and is proud of his support, along with that of the Metro Council, of the Green Light program of road and street improvements.
A seasoned politician with a long history of beating the odds and plowing new ground, Holden is Baton Rouge’s first black mayor. His greatest political strength is probably his personal charm and likability. This personal magnetism led to overwhelming support
See LIVINGSTON on Page 3
from blacks and an approval rating of more than 60 percent from whites. East Baton Rouge Parish is a closely-divided political battleground where 54 percent of the voters are white. White voters are a key to Holden’s campaign to be
Sen. David Vitter Named Man of the Year Republicans Cite Senator’s Service To State’s People
BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge area Republicans packed the City Club for the 1st Annual Ronald Reagan Awards Luncheon last Friday and honored U. S. Sen. David Vitter as Man of the Year. Vitter was recognized for his support of free enterprise, limited government, lower taxes, traditional values, and a strong defense. Speakers included State Rep. Valarie Hodges, Gene Mills of Family Forum, Milton Graugnard of Cajun Construction, and Mayor ProTem Mike Walker. Vitter said he was humbled to receive the honor.
See DRIVE on Page 16
Coroner to Address Record Murder Rate At New Chamber At 12 Noon Tuesday
State Rep. Valarie Hodges was among those honoring Sen. David Vitter Friday.
BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish coroner Dr. Beau Clark will discuss the parish’s murder rate at the new Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge meeting at 12 noon Tuesday at Café Américain. As coroner, Dr. Clark examines each murder victim. Dr. Beau Clark