Big developments have occurred in recent days

They say a week can be an eternity in politics. And so it was. Since I wrote my column about the Caddo District Attorney’s race for the previous issue of Forum, there have been significant developments. The race has been filled with mystery, intrigue, suspicion, questionable ethics practices and interesting revelations.

So, let me bring you up to date. When I last wrote, there were four declared candidates, all of whom are white – Assistant District Attorney Dhu Thompson and attorneys Lee Harville, Mark Rogers and Casey Simpson. And there was what some political observers referred to as the “phantom campaign” of 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge James E. Stewart, Sr, who is African-American. The Stewart effort, which he said he had no knowledge of, raised eyebrows among some in the legal community and among local politicos because ads were run and billboards went up while Stewart is still a sitting judge.

Then came a shocker. Former Assistant District Attorney and Shreveport City Court Judge LaLeshia Walker Alford, an African- American, announced she is entering the DA’s race, much to the displeasure of Stewart supporters who were trying to keep another black candidate out of the race. Alford has endured severe pressure, which is certainly unethical and bordering on being illegal, saying, “I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to participate, not just a precious few who cut deals in back rooms.”

She announced in front of the 100-year-old First Church of God in Christ on a hot day, proclaiming, “I want to prove I can take the heat.” A small crowd of supporters was in attendance, and her entry into the race was basically ignored by most of the mainstream media.

Walker was removed from the City Court bench and admits she has had some setbacks and challenges, however, she never lost her law license and has been in private practice and also handling drug cases for the Caddo Parish Public Defender’s Office. “I know with God’s help it’s just a set up for a comeback. Stand with me if you believe in redemption and second chances,” Alford said at her announcement.

Finally, on Aug. 13, Stewart made it official that he is a candidate for district attorney after ads and billboards urged him run. Prior to his official announcement, billboards went up throughout the parish which said “Stewart for District Attorney.” He said the billboards went up prematurely. But his entry into the race comes as he is still a sitting judge and on the payroll of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal. His letter to the Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court says that he will step down from the court Sept. 6, his official retirement date. By the way, the mainstream media showed up for Stewart.

A legal source tells me that Stewart will likely not face any retribution even though two complaints have been filed against him with the Louisiana Judicial Review Committee and that he should not officially be a candidate while still a member of the court. The only downside for Stewart is that during the campaign, he will probably be asked to explain his conduct and the perception he was skirting judicial ethics. In addition, there will likely be questions about being paid his judge’s salary while campaigning between Aug. 13 and Sept. 6. It is possible that the Committee could prohibit him from running, should he lose the DA’s race, in the special election to fill his judicial seat on the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal.

Then there is the revelation by John Settle, attorney, governmentwatcher, and Inquisitor columnist, that Stewart was arrested in New Orleans for domestic violence battery on his daughter Adrienne on November 18, 2000. His column is posted on the website, Forward-Now.com. Settle writes, “...arrest documents indicate that Stewart ‘was involved in a physical confrontation with his daughter in an attempt to obtain visitation rights of his younger daughter.’” He was a judge on the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal at the time.

After the case was continued several times by Stewart’s attorney, then-state Sen. Edwin R. Murray, the trial was set for August 20, 2001. But the three Stewarts (ex-wife and two daughters) who were to testify against him were sent subpoenas with the court date of Aug. 30. When they did not appear at trial Aug. 20, the case was dismissed.

All of this is to say that the campaign for Caddo District Attorney promises to be intense, interesting and probably contentious with four whites and two blacks seeking the coveted post. Surely political, business, and civic organizations will be chomping at the bit to hold DA forums with so many controversial issues that need discussion and answers.

Qualifying for the election is Sept. 8-10 with the primary scheduled for Oct. 14. If a runoff is needed, and undoubtedly one will, it will be held on Nov. 21. The election is a special election to fill out the unexpired term of the late DA Charles Rex Scott, who passed away unexpectedly in April. Scott was elected to a second six-year term in 2014, so the new DA will be up for re-election to a full term in 2020.

Lou Gehrig Burnett, an award-winning journalist, has been involved with politics for 44 years and was a congressional aide in Washington, D.C., for 27 years. He also served as executive assistant to former Shreveport Mayor Bo Williams. Burnett is the publisher of the weekly “FaxNet Update” and can be reached at 861-0552 or [email protected].