Emily Settle Merckle and Edward Mouton will be in a Dec, 5 runoff election on Dec. 5 for the Shreveport city court judgeship.
Merckle garnered 45 percent of the vote, Mouton 28 percent and Paul Wood 27 percent.
The choice for voters is one of contrasts.
Both Merckle and Mouton are Republicans.
Merckle is a female. Mouton is a male.
Merckle is 33. Mouton is 63.
Merckle is a native Shreveporter. Mouton is from south Louisiana.
Merckle has been an active member of the Shreveport Bar Association since becoming eligible in 2013 and she is currently a member of the Executive Committee.
Mouton has NOT been a member of the Shreveport Bar Association since 2013.
Merckle has the endorsements of Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and six other current elected officials, five former elected officials, and numerous business persons including attorneys and doctors. These include nine African-Americans and seven women.
Mouton has NO endorsements. His pushcard says he did not accept endorsements from politicians or money from lawyers.
Merckle is a member of the Vestry of St. Marks Episcopal Church, the Junior League of Shreveport, and the Krewe of Justian (a former Duchess).
Mouton is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous and the recovery community.
Merckle has maintained a general practice of law that includes the civil and criminal cases that come before Shreveport City Court.
Mouton's practice is criminal defense.
Merckle loaned her campaign $7500 through Oct. 14. Mouton loaned his campaign $58,700 through that date.
Early voting will be from Fri. Nov. 20 through Sat. Nov. 28, except NOT on Sun. Nov.22. Hours are from 8 a.m until 7 p.m. With only 3 Caddo run-offs (city court and 2 in Hosston), there should be no lines at the Registrar's office.
The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tues. Dec. 1. Go to Caddovoter.org for information on absentee ballots
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.