Monday, December 3, 2012

Ethics complaint filed against Mike Nerren


This letter was sent to the Louisiana Ethics Board today. 

George Peyton Cole, Jr.

Brigadier General USAF (ret)
Bossier City, LA 71111

December 3, 2012
Louisiana Ethics Administration Program
P.O. Box 4368
Baton Rouge, LA 70821

Dear Ethics Board Members,

I am writing for the purpose of filing an official ethics complaint against Mr. Michael J. Nerren, candidate for District Judge in the 26th Judicial District Court in Louisiana. I am filing this complaint because I believe that Mr. Nerren has violated the Louisiana Election Code, Part II 18:1491.7. There are three ways that I believe Mr. Nerren has violated this code.

On September 17, 2012, Mr. Nerren issued a $2,000 payment for “Consulting” to Mr. Julian Darby. Mr. Darby is listed as the sole agent of United Independents for Democracy, a Bossier City Non-Profit Corporation. On and prior to Election Day on November 6, 2012, Mr. Darby’s group, illegally using the acronym “UID”, distributed a flier urging voters to cast their ballots for Presidential candidate Barack Obama, as well as Candidate for District Judge, Mr. Mike Nerren (see original flier enclosed). Mr. Nerren’s campaign never reported expenditure to United Independents for Democracy or an In-kind expenditure to Mr. Barack Obama’s campaign for President.

On November 27, 2012, when asked to address the Bossier Parish Republican Executive Committee regarding an endorsement of Mr. Nerren’s opponent based on the fact that Mr. Nerren paid for a ballot featuring himself and Mr. Obama, Mr. Nerren admitted to getting involved with Mr. Darby’s group. Mr. Nerren is quoted as having said the following, “My campaign made an attempt to have the black vote turn out and we got involved with a group to canvas the black community. Somehow that turned into a ballot which I did not authorize and I had never seen until it showed up in three places.”

The ethics violations that I would point out is the fact that Mr. Nerren violated Louisiana Election Code Part II 18:1491.7 (13) The full name and address of each person to whom an expenditure has been made by the committee during the reporting period.  The amount, purpose, and date of each such expenditure, and the name and address of and office sought by candidates on whose behalf each such expenditure was made shall be reported.
-          This first violation is that Mr. Nerren’s campaign reported having paid $2,000 to Mr. Darby, when in fact this money was used by United Independents for Democracy to create a ballot for canvassing the black community, as admitted by Mr. Nerren.

-          The second violation is that Mr. Nerren’s campaign reported that the purpose of the $2,000 was for “Consulting” when in fact, this money was used for the production of the enclosed ballot and presumably for manpower to distribute this ballot.

-          Finally, as there was no record found of Mr. Obama’s campaign paying for their portion of this ballot, Mr. Nerren’s campaign presumably paid for the entire ballot. If this is the case, Mr. Nerren’s campaign again violated the ethics code by failing to report an in-kind donation to the Presidential Campaign of Mr. Barack Obama. Mr. Nerren also violated the Louisiana Ethics Code by failing for report in-kind expenditures for the ballot initiatives that were supported by the ballot that he paid to have produced. Those initiatives include CA NO. 1 and the School District Local Option.

Please take these allegations into consideration, as I feel that the violation of the Louisiana Ethics Code by a candidate for District Judge is a very important matter. The citizens of this district do not take lightly the violation of state laws by a candidate who is seeking an office sworn to interpret the law. I expect a speedy response to this letter and I appreciate your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

George Peyton Cole, Jr.
Brigadier General USAF (ret) 

221 comments:

  1. The citizens of this district do not take lightly the violation of state laws by a candidate who is seeking an office sworn to interpret the law.

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    1. So I guess that puts whit on the top shelf. After all if he will lie to the Supreme Court he will lie to anyone about anything.

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  2. Who would be the prosecuting body here because we all know the DA's office wouldn't of prosecuted Charles Manson had he donated the their campaign?

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  3. Bravo General! Someone needs to stop all this corruption

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  4. Finally a man that cannot be tainted and stands up for what is true and correct. Hip Hip Hooray, General!

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  5. I bet you Mike Nerren and his supporters have cotton mouth so bad they can't drink ice water.

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  6. Your move Mr Nerren. For goodness sakes make it a good one.

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  7. Thompson, gatti somebody needs a lawyer.

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  8. Did he send it to the judicial board too? ...they will do more than the ethics...Finally a man of courage to stand against evil! God Bless General!

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  9. some political hack trying to stir up trouble.

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  10. I'm a Nerren supporter and I welcome this one. Saw it coming weeks ago. Another unfounded, desperate tactic by the Graves group. Response will be definitive and swift. Guess they'll sling all the mud the River brings em.

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  11. Anon 6:37 Were you a witness to the violation since you saw it coming weeks ago? Nerren admitted to the payment and what it was used for at the PEC meeting. Need to read the statute and see that it matches Nerren's actions and statements. No mud on this one, just facts.

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  12. Don't think General Cole would be involved in some unfounded political trick. The man is above reproach. Try again!

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  13. Wow if this leads to a sanction by the supreme court for NErren then he will be just like Whit! then maybe he can get an endorsment from the party.

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  14. wow, looks like everyone on Ann Prices Christmas Card list is going to write a letter, John Kay, Rex, his son, (videogrpahers), Gen COle.

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  15. wow this is great-- even the general is falling for Ann's tactics and attacking a 29 year republican-- he even understands is was a mistake--- wonder why we lost the presidential elections--- here's your sign.

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  16. 7:09 - whose son? You're talking about Ann Price and then say 'his son'?

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  17. Here we have a clear cut ethics violation filed by a General, and Nerren supporters still write it off as dirty politics? We have illegal ballots that Nerren now claims he never approved (giggle), generated by a known liberal operative who Nerren himself decided to utilize...misleading and false advertising for self promotion designed to mislead the public, grease jobs by the DA's office on major campaign contributors of Nerren...and somehow we expect this man to run a fair and unbiased court? This guy, if elected, may never make it to the bench.

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  18. 7:27 - I think Rex took credit for his videos, after all, he was in them. And he made the disclaimer that he runs Whit Graves' website. I don't quite understand the 'son' part though, maybe you can enlighten.

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  19. General Cole dosn't know sh't from shampoo. Everybody knows the sergeants run the military.

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  20. To anon 637: Have you not read the statutes on these violations? You "welcome" this? A little arrogant I would say.

    I would like to hear Mike Nerren respond to the General's letter.

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  21. 7:44: I am not a lawyer so I have no idea on the ethics violation and I'm not taking an opinion. So far as insulting General Cole, saying he doesn't know sh't from shampoo, you might want to rethink.
    "The general is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with four service stars."

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  22. You might remember folks, insulting an Air Force General in Bossier Parish is like going into the Vatican and insulting the Pope.

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  23. I take offense to the insult directed toward a decorated General who served us all honorably.

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  24. anon 7:44, your statement is outrageous. And Darlene, for you to come on the scene directly after the comment with further remarks, none of which included an appreciation for this man's extraordinary military service, but instead injecting further venom into the situation, speaks for itself. I certainly hope this is not a reflection of the Nerren supporters.

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    1. I never said I didn't appreciate the service that this man has done for this country. What I did day was we don't take kindly to someone running for the office of judge knowingly lying to the Supreme Court

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  25. I am a Vietnam Veteran and a great admirer of General Cole. I have had the pleasure of talking to him three times. He is a perfect gentleman in every way. If he says it is so, then it is so!

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  26. I'm pretty sure the general is not endorsing whit. Is the general goingbto write a letter endorsing whit?

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  27. I guess the ethics complaints closes the book on LAGOP revising the endorsement. It ain't gonna happen now. LAGOP endorses Whit Graves!

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  28. With all due respect to Gen Cole, the claims alleged are simply not true. I am Nerren supporter and served honorably for 22 years in the US Air Force but that doesn't mean I have to accept as true unfounded allegations by (Ret.) Gen Cole. I know both of these candidates and the fact that Mr Graves intentionally lied to the Supreme Court and was suspended should disqualify him from seeking an office like Judge. But that argument is for another day.

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  29. Now that I read that, how we get the local PEC to reconsider their endorsement. I think the new facts deserve a re-vote.

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  30. And don't forget the endorsement of (Ret. Col.) and current Mayor Lo Walker. He knows both candidates too and endorsed Mike Nerren for good reason. Integrity. Which, with every turn, the Graves campaign shows less and less of.

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  31. Lo Walker...now that is a good one! lol

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  32. Again, the issue of Mr. Graves law practice is what people are talking about. I don't know who this Cole guy is but I know that people don't think that a DWI defense lAWYER should be elected Judge

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  33. Opinion: People don't think DWI attorney's should be judges.
    Fact: He also has years of experience being a state trooper, an assistant district attorney, and the fact that he is a DWI attorney just means he knows the constitution really well.

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  34. Anon830 good for you....those nasty crooks don't deserve any trial at all. Just throw out the constitution and shoot them at dawn. Why defend Charles Manson or Lee Harvey Oswald or Casey Anthony. Just kill them upon arrest!

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  35. 8:10, what part of the claims aren't true? Nerren admitted them all and now you say they're untrue. Does that mean Nerren is lying now or was he lying when the told the PEC that it was true?

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  36. Nobody knows the rule of evidence any better than Whit Graves. Every Judge in these parts is pushed by Whits well thought out and presented arguments. Lazy prosecutors are chewed alive by Whit Graves. Hmmm, guess who is a lazy prosecutor?

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  37. I thought ethics complaints were confidential? Jim, how did you get this letter?

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  38. I'm not "for" any candidate - nor am I against either. However this is definitely a "pro-Graves" comment section. Wow.

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  39. All of Nerren goof ups now supersede Whits goof up. Nerren starting to look like a foul up like sad sack.

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  40. At812-we had all info and put party above politics. Cole does not like Nerren personally bc of a political race many years ago. But this letter does not endorse graves.

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  41. this is pretty weak. printing a complaint? this looks like something form the wooley/glover race -- how did that go?
    "how can someone be mayor if they don't know how big their signs can be?

    Nerren won't be a better judge that whit because Nerren was endorsed by a minority group. Are we really becoming the party of racism?

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  42. Getting an endorsement from a minority group in a two man republican race is not a goof up.
    Thanks for pointing out that Nerren is seeking the minority vote. I know whit does not want it-- cause they vote for OBAMA.

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  43. Non of this has any merit. Get over your witch hunt.

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  44. Pretty good slight of hand in the letter. Printing a complaint as a press release. Most people have compared the two candidates objectively and will vote for NErren.

    IF you look at the flyer and you know Mike Nerren, you surmise mike was endorsed by the group.

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  45. my did mike nerren reach out to demcrats -- thats just wrong. He should reject the endorsements of minorities. agree with the GENERAL-- he should not have reached out to democrats.

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  46. Graves group in the sewer with negative stuff. Wow. I predict 12 people vote and Nerren wins 7-5. This is pitiful.

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  47. 9:33, good point, and an important one. You would surmise he was endorsed by the group. That's where the violation comes in, he didn't disclose that his campaign had paid for the flyer, and that is what the violation is.

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  48. Why??? Don't their vote count? Or is this just an all republican election.

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  49. Its really bad with all the young professionals in our area watching this race to see how the party treats a 29 year republican who has been married for over twenty years raised his kids right. Coached dixie league baseball and ran dixie baseball so that thousands of kids could play baseball and softball. Runs his personal business wiht integtiry, fights hard for his clients in court, treats the courts with COMPLETE CANDOR, served in numerous volunteer positions in the area. And only draws the attention of a general becasue he got an endorsment from a minority group and the Generals candidate did not get it. REALLY??

    this is such a wakeup call to those in the party that have just been sitting around praying for a Christian to run for office. A Christian runs and this is what we get-- his opponent says he is disqualified to be a judge, because a minority party endorsed him and if you hold that endorsement with one eye shut in a dark room and take it completely out of context, it seems like it might be something else. So it must be the something else.

    Can someone please give me a reason not to vote for MIKE NERREN whereing DARBY, OBAMA and SCHYLER MARVIN are not mentioned????? surely there is something out there for a fifty year old man that is pertinent to his candidacy.

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  50. My son? Can none of you get your facts straight?

    I actually have 3, none of which run a camera or edit video for politics or tech. They can shoot well and hunt well. If you want to check them out then here ya go:

    Click -> NWLA YHEC

    OR

    Click -> Got Guns? We Do.

    2 of them would be the blond twin boys.

    Jim - I must admit. It was not really me who created my videos. I mean...I was in the videos, did the talking, post production, and published them to youtube, but it really really wasn't me. Seriously. It wasn't.

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  51. >>>>>******* dosn't know sh't from shampoo.<<<

    Don't agree with the name but can I steal your line.

    Made me laugh.

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  52. Wow I just found something else about the flyer--- Mike did not disclose what his stance was on the AMENDMENTS--- this is insane--- this completely wipes out his 29 years as a conservative republican--- thanks for finding this flyer-- now we know who the real mike nerren is. Thanks for clearing this up--- MIKE NERREN has been pretending to be a conservative republican in word, act and deed for 29 years. MIKE you are now free to be yourself.

    GLAD we have a true conservative in WHIT.

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  53. I predict 70-30 Nerren. Whits suspension/probation out weighs the negative of some camapaign snafu.

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  54. Does anyone know the history between the GEneral and Mike Nerren? There has to be a reason he chose whit over nerren, and it can't be conservative values. Does he have a personal vendetta like Collier does-- or is he legitiamtely a campaign finance rule guru?

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  55. well, what I am hoping is that in the future, as far as the comment regarding young Republicans, is that they won't pay some liberal operative to print a flyer endorsing another liberal, without looking at the ballot and authorizing it. As someone pointed at previously, outside of the General's complaint, is that it is in violation of the Judicial Canons.

    I understand when you have three Republicans in a race you want to get out the Democratic vote. But do it with dignity and integrity like Slattery and Graves. Don't pay some guy 2,000 then once you are caught come out and say you didn't authorize or see it when the Judicial Canons dictate you do so.

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    1. The only one "caught" is Graves who lied to the Supreme Court. At the end of the day, Bossier/Webster voters are smarter than these Graves people give them credit. Nerren 55-45.

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  56. No democratic group has endorsed Nerren. He paid Derby to put his name on a flyer that endorsed Obama. The problem is Nerrens lack of respect for the law which ultimately will be his undoing. So you see Gatti et al, the joke was on you as you helped leed Nerren down this inevitable road of admission, admission of multiple criminal counts. Thanks for the help, no even Marvin can save him now.

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  57. Nerren is honest to a fault-- that makes him a great judge. Whit on the other hand said he did not make the video slamming all those families-- but we all know that was a ........

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  58. wow now you are a DA-- that's great-- have you investigated why General Cole does not like Mike Nerren-- didn't take much convincing to get him to write the letter did it. What is there history? does anyone know.
    Ill give you a hint-- it is older than the flyer, but not easily forgotten.

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  59. Nerren is "honest to a fault"--meanwhile a retired General, highly decorated, is calling him out on the above. I hope you never serve on a jury in our parish

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  60. young republicans are being ENCOURAGED by Rubio, jindal, romney, mccain and palin to REACH OUT TO minorities "or we are going to continue to lose the presidency."
    This letter basically says-- OBAMA is the devil and republicans should not seek the support of democrats. if you do we will teach you a lesson.
    A twenty nine year republican being thrown under the bus because of GRUDGES!!!

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  61. Does anyone know the history between the general and mike? Please someoen elighten the blogosphere.

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  62. Whether or not General Cole "likes" or "dislikes" Nerren is incidental to the violations that have taken place, as proven in his letter. In fact, Nerren is on audio stating he did not "see it, or authorize it" That is in violation of the Judicial Canons that mandate he sees and authorizes any campaign material. Of course, we all know he said he didn't see it or authorize, or CHOSE not to, knowing what would be on it, to provide himself a convenient self-serving excuse. Frankly I'm not so sure he did not see it or authorize it as he claims.

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  63. the general is not calling him out. the general has taken collier and john kays talking points that are flawed and posting an ethics complaint on a website. yeah thats not petty.
    Did the general go to nerren and discuss or did he shoot from the hip like State Party?

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  64. 10:16--yes it is pertinent. The general and mike have a history and he should have disclosed his bias to the blogosphere. If he an unbaised general focused on the integrity of campaign finance rules or is he a biased party using his rank to get garner attention for a political result.

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  65. Look...forget about all that. First read the complaint above. Read the statutes about campaign literature. Read the rules about reporting in kind contributions. Read the Judicial Canons. Look at the flyer produced. Then SIMPLY compare the ballot/flyer with the ethical standards. It is a CLEAR CUT violation, I guess if the banter continues I will google it myself again then post the links since apparently you don't get it.

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  66. at 10:20-- would it really suprise you that Gen Cole did not talk to nerren? that's exactly what the state party did.
    Everyone that actually talks to Nerren can clearly see he is not what they say he is. Too bad the pec was the only one that had a hearing and let both sides tell their story-- the general did not have a "hearing."

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  67. 10:22--NO its not. The PEC already investigated this. It was not deemed a violation and in fact Ann, Whit, Mike and John Kay's behavior was so fishy that this group that included whit supporters voing FOR it sent a letter to the State Party reqeusting the nomination be withdrawn or that NERREN be co-endorsed.

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    1. And you trust Edmiston, Gatti, and Ray? Lol

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  68. The PEC didnt "investigate" squat. There was no discussion about the Canons or statutes. In addition, it is not their job to investigate or apply the appropriate sanctions or penalties. That is left for an unbiased group

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  69. Dispute this:

    The following is the ethics (Canons) issued by the Supreme Court of Louisiana.

    CANON 7B(2)

    •SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE THE
    CONTENT OF ALL POLITICAL
    ADVERTISEMENTS PRODUCED BY
    THE CANDIDATE OR HIS/HER
    CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, AS
    AUTHORIZED BY CANON 7D,
    BEFORE THEIR DISSEMINATION

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  70. 1022-- everyone knows that the general holds a grudge of collier like proportions against nerren from an old political race. he is not UNBAISED. its like colin powell talking bad about BUSH-- there is bad blood that motivates this.
    if not then answer this, why does the general release this publically instead of straight to the ethics board in private?
    also, why release it today? why not LAST MONTH? guess he was more concerned with the timing that the intergrity of the campaign finanace rules.
    If we have learned anything in this race, then it is always look as see why people are mad at Mike Nerren-- just ask a few people why he is mad at mike and then reread his letter.

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  71. Mike Nerrens people are questioning the political integrity of a General??Wow!...News Flash guys, Generals are not made by Corrupt District Attorneys and millionaire money!...unlike becoming a 26th judicial judge! Becoming a General is earned and he earned his right to speak his mind without getting thrown into the mud. I happen to know for a fact that the General is not a die hard Graves supporter. He just dosnt think paying off minorities to manipulate minority votes is a good way to get elected!!

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  72. If there is a grudge at play someone needs to come out with it. Anyone?

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  73. at 1029-- so are you saying that WHit approved the video that bashed all those families, cause he said he knew nothing about it. so did whit know nothing about the video or did he know about it. cause if he did not review it, then thats an issue for general cole to address in tomorrows edition of THOU SHALT NOT BREAK OBSCURE CAMPAIGN RULES. but i doubt he will because that would mean he would have to say something that might help mike nerren.

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  74. 10:35, you have proof that Whit paid for the video? Because Nerren admitted he paid Darby.

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  75. JIm, they will never admit the grudge that is finally playing out here. Too bad it only took me one phone call to be reminded of an old race that GEneral and mike were on opposite sides. then it all made sense.

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  76. I think the video magically appeared through spontaneous generation, naming all those families-- it was a result of spontaneous regeneration and the maker was mother nature who was so upset with nerren's flyer that she wanted to teach him a lesson...

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  77. The motives of the General (funny how so many of you are quick to question a man of distinguished military service) is not the issue. If I see you steal a car and report it to the police, just because I had previously thought you were a jackass will have no bearing on the penalty phase in court. What is it about that you don't get?

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  78. at 1032-- my whole family is military-- I have much respect for the military-- but the general does not like MIKE NERREN-- they have a history-- the general is human just like Colin Powell-- Generals can hold grudges-- one clue is that this letter was issued as a press release to JIM, they did not wait for the ethics finding-- if the general was not biased he would have sent it in last month privately and asked for an opinion-- NOW with the timing of it we will not get an opinion until after the race-- another item from the JOHN KAY book of tricks.

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  79. at 1042-- seriously? if the general was not biased he would have talked to both sides-- did he investigate or shoot from the hip? how many conversations did he have with John Kay and Mike Collier? three , four? with Nerren?? 0

    if you report me stealing a car, the police will INVESTIGATE it before they make an arrest-- and if you file a false report because I kissed your girlfriend you are biased and subject to the law.

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  80. Let me ask a question, assuming you have seen the flyer and read the applicable statutes and canons. If Humpty Dumpty sent it in, would it be a valid complaint? If not, please read the statutes and canons again.

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  81. 10:36 - Thanks for the answer. The problem is that if everyone keeps talking about a grudge without any substance to provide, it makes it look like something that is being invented to explain the letter, a talking point. If on the other hand the grudge is real, what harm would it do to reveal the source of it?
    If for whatever reason you don't want to do it on here, email it to me at mybossier@gmail.com, I will keep your identity confidential.

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  82. There is nothing to investigate. Look at the flyer, read the statutes. Its an OBVIOUS clear cut violation...geez lol Nerren openly admits not approving or seeing the flyer which is YET ANOTHER violation according to Judicial Canons. Forget about the General...R-E-A-D.

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  83. I have seen the flyer, I have talked to Whit, I have talked to Nerren, I have talked to Collier, I have talked to all PEC memebers. I have talked to and examined each candiates record. I have balanced that and discussed it-- i doubt the board will find a violation--- but we will not get a report before the election. this letter is not about reporting a violation-- it is about an old grudge.

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  84. we have read-- it does not make sense. Whit did not make the video, so he did not need to review it--- so he did not violate a cannon unless he did authorize it and did not review it RIGHT?

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  85. Ok since you have done all the above, explain to us idiots how nerren's statement that he has not authorized or seen the flyer, that is it not in violation of:

    •SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE THE
    CONTENT OF ALL POLITICAL
    ADVERTISEMENTS PRODUCED BY
    THE CANDIDATE OR HIS/HER
    CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, AS
    AUTHORIZED BY CANON 7D,
    BEFORE THEIR DISSEMINATION

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  86. Let's assume the grudge conspiracy theory is true. Explain the violation of the above Canon. Is that too hard?

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  87. Nerren is a 29 year republican -- he is not going to lose over a campaign finance snafu-- if you thought this was a violation, then you should have had the general file this months ago instead of waiting until the last minute.
    we disregard everything done in the last week. cheap shot at last minute.

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  88. Jim, you're right, there is no old grudge, it is something made up by the Nerren bunch because they are afraid to make their usual personal attacks against Gen. Cole, he is too well known and respected. It's a red herring to detract attention from the letter, which clearly spells out the violations.

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  89. no one thinks this is a violation who has talked to all parties. collier was so mad that two guys on the pec changed their vote once they heard his whole story and grudge, that he ran to the general to get this filed.
    No objective group that hears both sides thinks mike did anything wrong.
    The general lost all credibilty and showed his bias by filing this as a press release.

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  90. "snafu"...that's good! kind of like robbing a bank snafu

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  91. for instance whit just ran a tv ad that says he was NEVER suspended. is that true? did he review that? will Gen COle write a complaint about that?

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  92. kinda like a sitting judge losing a race snafu.

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  93. This Grudge theory is something totally fabricated out of thin air, as usual, with no basis in fact. Jesus could come down and accuse Nerren of something and there would be some lame excuse.

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  94. sure hope if nerren wins he doesn't get a bout of snafu on my case

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  95. nerren people, is this a violation or not? please answer, explain this one for me

    •SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE THE
    CONTENT OF ALL POLITICAL
    ADVERTISEMENTS PRODUCED BY
    THE CANDIDATE OR HIS/HER
    CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, AS
    AUTHORIZED BY CANON 7D,
    BEFORE THEIR DISSEMINATION

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  96. who have you asked about the grudge?

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  97. 1101-- if whit violated this by not reviewing his smear video on youtube then yes it has been violated in this election.

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  98. Who said Nerren "produced" any ticket? No one. Which is why Graves complaint fails on its face and is nothing but mud slinging campaign bull$&@t.

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  99. Doesn't anyone find it stange that Gatti et al keeps mentioning this phantom race Gen Cole and Nerrin were at odds over. No such race ever happened, more lies by these so called Christians.

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  100. why didn't the general file this last month? why so last minute?

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  101. Anon 10:54 How would General Cole file this complaint several months ago when the violation only occurred on November 5th, less than one month ago? Let's ask the same question--If Mike Nerren knew about his claims on Whit Graves months ago, or how about 13 years ago, why did he wait until the last few weeks of the campaign to bring it out? ANSWER: He didn't start running the attack ad until after the clerk of court's office closed 11 days before the election. Graves cannot get an injunction to stop the attack ad unless he can get a hearing at least 10 days before the election. Nerren waited until Graves could not get a judge to rule on the LIE Nerren continues to tell about him. Graves can only file a complaint with the ethics board to be heard sometime in 2014. Graves could ask for Nerren to be arrested as the LIE in the attack ad is a felony offense but good luck getting Marvin to prosecute that.

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  102. no one finds it strange who remembers

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  103. lol nice try ray...was referring to nerren on darby flyer, but you knew that

    •SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE THE
    CONTENT OF ALL POLITICAL
    ADVERTISEMENTS PRODUCED BY
    THE CANDIDATE OR HIS/HER
    CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, AS
    AUTHORIZED BY CANON 7D,
    BEFORE THEIR DISSEMINATION

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  104. what did nerren lie about?

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  105. whats the penalty for violating? have you looked that up?

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  106. good luck getting marvin to do anything. we know what happens with those guys

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  107. what did Nerren lie about?

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  108. I am trying to find out if Gen Cole and Nerren have a history-- does anyone know about this?

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  109. so, why wasn't this filed on Nov. 6? I know the flyer was being scanned making a video at first, but when was it released to the General? Why wait until DECEMBER 2?
    were you kinda hoping the pec meeting was going to turn out differently, maybe with an endorsment of whit, and when it didn't the flyer meant nothing-- so why wait so long?

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  110. If Nerren had said that Graves got a "fully deferred suspension" that would be true. He can leave out the fact that the Supreme Court noted numerous mitigating factors and that doesn't get him in trouble. Nerren says he was "suspended" from practicing law, period. That's the LIE. The letter from the Supreme Court says Graves has never been suspended from the practice of law. I guess Nerren's next attack ad will say that the devil and Mrs. Prada convinced the Louisana Supreme Court, the State Central Committee and a HIGHLY DECORATED NATIONAL HERO, HERO, HERO, HERO to lie for Graves because they like racists like Graves.

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  111. you should simply ask around about the general's political history with Nerren.
    you should ask Collier about his history with Schyler.
    after that -- all this makes since

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  112. at 11:14-- so after reading his entire supreme court record you say whit was not suspened. and after reading nerren's record, you say he is best defined as an obama supporter-- yeah that consistently logicial.

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  113. Anon 11:16 I'm "simply" asking you about the General's political history with Nerren and Collier's history with Schuyler. Spit it out or is this going to be another "He knows what he said and who he said it to"? Just because you keep grudges forever doesn't mean that someone else does. Dang it boy, hows that new ulcer medicine working for ya?

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  114. here are some other cannons to read:

    The judicial office rests on public trust. The judiciary is charged with maintain-ing public confidence in the legal system. Standards for ethical conduct for judges were established by the Code of Judicial Conduct referred to as the Judicial Canons. The Canons generally follow the standards promulgated by the American Bar Association, so they are similar in state and federal courts.

    It is specifically noted in the Florida version of the Judicial Canons that when the language "shall" or "shall not" is stated, it is intended to impose binding obligations, the violation of which, if proven, can result in disciplinary action. Reference to "should" or "should not" is not deemed to be as binding and may is deemed to be discretionary. It is further noted that the Judicial Canons are intended to provide a structure for regulating judges through disciplinary agencies, to govern the conduct of judges and to be binding on them.

    Some of the provisions in these Canons are as follows:

    A judge is to maintain and enforce high standards of conduct; a judge "shall" respect and comply with the law and "shall" act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary; a judge "shall" be faithful to the law and maintain professional competence in it; a judge "shall" be patient, dignified, and courteous; a judge "shall" perform judicial duties without bias and prejudice; a judge "shall" not initiate, permit or consider ex parte communications; and a judge "shall" dispose of all judicial matters promptly and fairly.

    We know that the judicial conduct commissions reach a determination in only one percent of the cases, so obviously these Judicial Canons generally are not enforced in the disciplinary proceedings. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission as all the other commissions in other states have demonstrated that they operate for the best interest of the judges. As you can see, the judicial system is an honor system, without any provision to protect the public from judges who fail to follow the law and engage in improper activities through their decisions. The failure of the judiciary to exercise even handed judgment based on the rule of law, is causing a loss of public confidence in the judiciary's capacity and willingness to regulate itself and disenchantment with the courts.

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  115. One thing I have noticed, is that despite all the conspiracy theories, there is yet to be one response to the direct question about Nerren violating the following Canon...how do you "explain away" this? Or are we calling it a "snafu" now?

    •SHALL REVIEW AND APPROVE THE
    CONTENT OF ALL POLITICAL
    ADVERTISEMENTS PRODUCED BY
    THE CANDIDATE OR HIS/HER
    CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, AS
    AUTHORIZED BY CANON 7D,
    BEFORE THEIR DISSEMINATION

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  116. (3) A judge shall resign from judicial office upon becoming a candidate in a contested election for a non-judicial office either in a primary or in a general or in a special election. A judge may continue to hold judicial office while being a candidate for election to or serving as a delegate in a state constitutional convention or while being a candidate for election to any judicial office.

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  117. at 11:21-- what is the penalty? can you find it? how has this been interpreted by the court? if you would research you would know that Whit's statement that he and his campaign had nothing to do with the video-- directly violates this if John Kay or anyone in the campaign helped make the video.

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  118. what is (3) about? consequences?

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  119. Gatti and Ray...y'all need to give it a rest and go to sleep.

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  120. whats going on in doyline? is school back in?

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  121. 1125---"directly violates this if John Kay or anyone in the campaign helped make the video."

    The problem with your statement is the word "if". That's like me saying "if" Mike Nerren made deals with big contributors to let future criminal procedures on family members receive a nol-prosse he would be in big trouble.

    if, if, if...is all speculation unfounded by any source, campaign report, etc

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  122. not yet, there still moving explosives out in camp minden-- said millions of pounds.

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  123. Too bad the grudge rumor didn't work, but good try. There is no grudge held by Gen. Cole against Mr. Nerren.

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  124. maybe darlene can weigh in, that's always fun!

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  125. I heard whit said mike nerren and darby helped design the storage facilities at camp minden. that's that they used the 2000 for.. General's gonna write a letter about nerren's involvement.

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  126. Who did the general support when Schyler first ran for DA?

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  127. I like how no one has addressed the specifics in the letter in order to refute what the General is saying. Seems like the Nerren crowd employs the old adage "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit"

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  128. actually I heard Darlene was working for Darby now, they have installed bells to prevent Nerren from seeing the flyers being sent out.

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  129. what year was that? can we still see the campaign finanace reports? who else ran?

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  130. They can't address it, they have to spin it baby spin it!

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  131. Wait a minute, is Darlene really Mike Nerren? I knew something was fishy.

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  132. I don't know who the general supported but there were only three guys in that race right? back when schyler won the first time.

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  133. here's the problem with the general's letter, if you need more that the grudge. he says "Mr. Nerren’s campaign presumably paid for the entire ballot"-- presumably-- thats' the problem-- he can't say did, because he did not talk to Nerren or Darby--- if he would have he would not have to presume and most likely would not have written the letter based on his FINDINGS> -- but he did not want findings, he wanted ASSUMPTIONS/presumptions--- like John Kay and Ann Price-- because once you have FACTS--- it changes everything --- like votes on the pec, and votes at the polls.

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  134. who made the run off in that race? back when nerren ran against Schyler?

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  135. Maybe you should say when Schuyler won for the last time. If Graves wins this election then the back of the political machine is cracked. Any candidate with any credibility will have a great chance of beating Schuyler in 2014. Or will his entire campaign be "The DA endorses the DA"?

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  136. did the general really issue this letter as a PRESS RELEASE?

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  137. did the general support Nerren in that race?

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  138. who did the general support in burchett/craig?

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  139. what about smith/peacock

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  140. An estimated 350,000 pounds of M6 propellant improperly stored behind Explo Systems Inc. were moved Monday, bringing to 1.2 million pounds the amount that’s now in proper storage in other magazines on the 15,000-acre former ammunition plant property. More than 6 million pounds of the explosive powder was discovered early last week as state and federal investigators continued their probe into the October blast at a bunker Explo leased about 2 miles away from its facilit

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  141. The same is true for the students. Webster Parish schools Superintendent Steve Dozier made the call today to cancel classes again Tuesday at Sexton’s request. A decision will be made later Tuesday about Wednesday.


    “We will be OK if we can get them in Friday, at least by Monday,” Dozier said, adding he is concerned about the impact of end of course testing that is getting under way.

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  142. when was that race when nerren ran against schyler, I am trying to look up campaign finance reports to see who general donated to.

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  143. Who did General Cole support in the Nixon/Humprey/Wallace presidential race of 1968? You know Wallace did choose USAF Genral Curtis LeMay as his running mate. LeMay wanted to nuke North Vietnam. Hindsight maybe is 20/20

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  144. does the grudge have something to do with the last contested DA's race?

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  145. Who was in that race back in the day? schyler, nerren and someone else, what year did it happen I am trying to look it up.

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  146. Nerren's camp is corrupt. Lets be clear, Nerren broke the law and shouldn't sit on the bench.
    The General had the balls to submit a report about this, where are your balls? What have you done, past anonymous comments?

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  147. 12;13-- have you talked to nerren?

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  148. I mean this is a judges race, you could call his office and ask him about it instead of jumping ot presumptions.

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  149. the general submitted a report without talking to nerren-- he most likely listened to a tape given to him by COllier or Jay-- most likely Ann Price-- and they presumed they were right and filed it five days before the election---- I hope once the ethics panel rules the general will post the response-- cause they don't issue opinions as a press release.

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  150. Last DA's race was ten years ago. Marvin, Boggs and Nerren in that order. Graves' race was 16 years ago Stinson, Graves, Smith and Boggs in that order. Let's see Boggs came in 2 places behind Graves. Nerren came in 3rd behind Boggs. Is that a preview?

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  151. 12:13-- nerren is a 29 year conservative republican-- who are you to say he should not sit as judge. can you say one thing bad about mike without mentioning schyler, darby, obama,-- can't can you?

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  152. 12:20 preview to what? how does that help? I still don't know what year the da's election was so that I can search the campaign finance records to see who supported which.

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  153. I can't open finance reports-- can someone please look up who Gen Cole gave money to in the Nerren vs. Schyler election for DA ten years ago

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  154. 2002 but the reports were not required to be electronically filed. Good luck on getting them quickly if at all.

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  155. I'm ready for the next DA race!

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  156. Get this race over with first. Break the back of the political machine and then lets see who we want for DA. Cox, Stinson, Jason Brown?

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  157. Where did everyone go? I feel like Ryan Gatti--blogging to myself.

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  158. Payton Cole is no longer in service. He is now a Bossier Parish citizen and is now part of the electorate. He has the right to support anyone he chooses. Most of you have it wrong.....he listens mainly to Ann Price, who uses him politically and he allows her to do so. The ballot that emerged after Nerrin paid the $2K to Darby was a mistake. Enlighten yourself and go through the alphabet of Bossier Parish candidates for past decades and see if you can find many who did not pay someone to "get-out" the black vote. Even candidates for judge! Why do you think Darby is no longer on the school board? It would be best if the political junkies would shut-up and let the people decide the loser in this judicial race.

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  159. I mistakenly ran that stop sign. Unfortunately for me an accidental breaking of the law is not a defense. We need judges that get it right the first time, not someone who just says "whoops".

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  160. The electorate makes it's decision on who loses with information. Information comes from many sources. Some information is negative and some positive. Most information is never available to the voting public. When the District Attorney backs a candidate for Judge the separation of power is turned upside down. The DA is closely connected to the Tax Assessor, Police Jury, School Board, Parish Sheriff and so on. The entities spend multiples of tens of millions of dollars each year. It is in the interest of many suppliers to these entities to keep everybody happy. Thusly, when a DA backed judicial candidate announces ,he has a 15 point lead on day one. (witness young Mike Craig, DA backed in 2008). The only way a DA backed Judge candidate loses is he/she make enormous mistakes and fritters away the 15 points.

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  161. FYI General Cole supported Mike Boggs in 2002. General Cole did not support either candidate in the 2008 Judges race.

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  162. So if you want to be Judge you need to be hired as ADA and then get blessing?

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  163. So you are implying that Nerren quit his firm and went to be ADA working for the guy he called a thief in 2002 so he could be Judge?

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  164. Wait! According to the Inquisitor they all thieves! They all can be Judges and find each other not guilty!

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  165. Only hope the Ethics Commission deal with Mr. Nerren as harshly as they did with me. First time candidate and filed my first report 3 days late. I got a $500 fine. Wonder what the consequences will be for lying on one of those forms. "I made a mistake" sure didn't work for me.

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  166. If Nerren wins, with all these allegations, if founded, can he be sworn in as judge, or just a monetary penalty?

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  167. My response to the Tom Cat video - including revised audio (slowed it down a bit).

    Click here -> Video Post

    Here is just the video with the audio slowed down:

    Click here -> Tom Cat Slowed Down

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  168. Wow, man, has this small two Parish Judge race got out of hand or what.!?.

    Bring back Judge Roy Bean in our time of crisis.

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  169. This describes these comments.
    “Sweet, crazy conversations full of half sentences, daydreams and misunderstandings more thrilling than understanding could ever be.”
    ― Toni Morrison, Beloved

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  170. Lane Pittard maybe?

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  171. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  172. A1034 there is a thin possibility that the new US Attorney in New Orleans picks up the ethics complaints and turns them into Federal felony complaints. There is precedent that if that occurs then Mr Nerren may not be seated until the case is cleared. I believe there is a Minnesota case as well as a Florida case that could come into play here. I think that is small chance percentage.

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  173. Well the last thing we need to do is elect a judge that can't be seated for a couple of years if ever. There is just too much stuff going on with Nerren, I voted for him the first time but I won't again.

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  174. If they decide there was a violation there could be a fine. No one will be prosecuted.

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  175. All of this is a JOKE. Another one of whits shanagans!!!

    VOTE MIKE NERREN DISTRICT JUDGE!
    The right man for the job !!!

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  176. Darlene calling a highly decorated General a JOKE...priceless! I doubt even Mike would approve of some of your posts. or is he on board?

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  177. Darlene wasn't calling General Cole a joke. Come on, be fair.

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  178. The subject of the blog is General Cole filing a ethics complaint against Mike Nerren. Perhaps you are right Jim, Darlene is not calling General Cole a joke, but rather the contents of his letter. However, if anyone would take the time to read the statutes/canons and refer to the flyer, it is clear the General has valid points. So I guess my problem with her comments, (and she has a right to express her opinion) is that her opinion is not only contradictory to any reasonable person researching this stuff, but she fails to present one shred of evidence to the contrary. I think this is what Rex referred to in his video...presenting some facts that back up claims, instead of barfing up garbage that has no basis in fact.

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  179. Why is it that the Nerren campaign spends every minute of every day saying nothing but Whit Graves a lier, and when it comes to light that Nerren breaks several laws it is nothing but Whit shenanigans?

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  180. Nerren shooting another commercial today. Kind of a gather round while I speak piece. How professional of him. The only question is whether or not he will be wearing handcuffs.

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  181. That was a joke Jim. We all know that Marvin would never prosecute.

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  182. Nerren has full page ad, color I might ad, in the Bossier Tribune proclaiming Whit Graves a lier. So much for his Christian upbringing and exemplary ethics. Ah, Julian Darby and the 7 Nerren lies results in complaints filed by a real American hero. Who is the bigger lier?

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  183. Nerren filing indicates 63 pages of names contributing $200, 000 of donations to a judgeship? What is really going on? Judge John Slattery raised 51k during primary and Whit Graves 59k. Talk about owing ones sole to the company store.

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  184. Almost 200 comments.

    Bitchin'...

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  185. Yessir Andy, they're all bitchin.

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  186. No. Talk about a candidate people can trust. Graves spent over 150k of his own money. I'm always suspicious of a candidate that cannot raise money and has to pay for his election himself. Indicates people don't like him.

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  187. And the $200,000, about 75% Nerren does not even know who they are.

    Tulane University did a study on campaign contributions to judges races titled:
    "The Myth of Judicial Impartiality"

    http://www.tulanelink.com/tulanelink/electorappoint_08b.htm

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  188. I just got this rediculious mailer that was sent out by whit and I am still laughing. I guess for the people who don't know the real WHITLEY R GRAVES this would be impressing. But I know what a lier he is and this mailer has lies all in it. I would only have to guess he is trying to make himself believe it. The part I'm still laughing over is the part about Christian Morels. HAHAHA I KNOW THE REAL WHIT

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  189. Praying for Mr. Nerren and his family for what they have endured in this judicial race at the hands of people who I'm sure show up in church every Sunday claiming to be Christians. When his opponent loses maybe he should sit back and reflect on why that is.

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