A state judge has denied a request to throw out the results of a disputed election involving the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. That ruling came after a day-long hearing, Monday at Orleans Civil Court. An attorney for the LHBPA told the Judge Herbert Cade, the allegations of improper voting lack convincing support and evidence and if there were illegitimate ballots, there is no proof they would have changed the outcome of the election.
Horse owner and Orleans Clerk of Court Arthur Morrell brought suit, claiming last year's election that dumped him from the LHBPA Board of Directors was a sham.
Two LHBPA board members testified at the hearing.
Sam David said he didn't think it was a perfect election, but he's convinced despite a federal investigation, the outcome was valid.
"It's been investigated for months and months and months and nobody has come up with any solid evidence saying it's a fraudulent election, so until they do, I got to believe it is," said David.
Board member Sam Breaux seemed less sure of the legitimacy of the election.
Breaux admitted his girlfriend is a former LHBPA employee turned federal whistle-blower who claimed she was directed to fill out numerous ballots to sway the election.
Breaux testified, "After the election, evidence came up that there was some bogus ballots...I don't have no physical proof, but I saw the bag the ballots were in."
Breaux also testified, "A new election seems justified...I would have another election, right away."
"We've shown that there's substantial problems with the election," said Madro Bandaries, Morrell's attorney. "We have an admission from a board member that they know and knew that there was a federal investigation going on over a year ago and did nothing about it. I mean, it's shocking."
Colin Sherman, an attorney for LHBPA president and Kenner City Judge Sean Alfortish says the truth will come out when a related law suit is heard.
The suit accuses Alfortish of misusing association funds and an LHBPA credit card.
"Without commenting on the particulars all we can say is we look forward to the full resolution in a court of law," said Sherman.
Morrell's attorney says they now plan to proceed with the larger lawsuit.
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