Whitehorn Loses Appeal in Caddo Sheriff's Election Saga

SHREVEPORT, LA - The latest legal hurdle in the race to be sheriff of Caddo Parish is over. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against Henry Whitehorn in his appeal of the lower court's ruling which called for a new election. Whitehorn beat local attorney John Nickelson by just one vote in the November 18th runoff election.

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The final count was 22,621 for Whitehorn, to 22,620 for Nickelson. But Ad hoc Judge Joe Bleich said it was proven beyond a doubt there were at least 11 illegal votes cast.

Whitehorn will now have to decide if he will ask the State Supreme Court to hear the case. The high court could decide to hear the case or reject such a request.

The five judges on the appeals panel read the briefs and questioned attorneys on both sides before taking the case under advisement. State law mandates rulings on these kinds of election cases within 24 hours and that's what has happened in this case.

Ad Hoc Judge Joe Bleich ruled last week that there were at least 11 illegal votes cast and there was no way to accurately determine who won the election. He called for a new election.

That new election, if it happens will most likely be on the March ballot with the Presidential Primary.