Judge debate turns into one-woman event in Lafayette

Originally scheduled to be a debate turned into a interview forum for one of the three candidates for the open seat on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.
Susan Theall used her spotlight Tuesday afternoon, stating several times that she has the experience needed to serve on the court of appeals.
The election is March 25.
Theall answered questions from an eight-person panel during the forum, co-sponsored by the Acadiana Press Club, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) as well as the state’s chapter of SPJ.
“I find myself in the unusual position of being the only candidate present,” Theall said at the start of the forum, attended by several students and members of the public. “I am really pleased to see so many people present. It shows that the community and the UL students are interested in this race.”
Candyce Perret declined multiple invitations to take part in the debate. Vanessa Waguespack Anseman did not attend because she spent Tuesday afternoon filing an appeal of a ruling made by District Judge Alonzo Harris on Monday that removed her from the race. The move centered around whether Anseman meets the requirement of 10-years practicing as a lawyer to be able to run. Accoring to reports, Harris calculated that Anseman misses the 10-year mark by about 50 days.
“This is a very important election,” Theall said. “All elections are important, but the opportunity to vote for a judge for the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals doesn’t come along very often.”
Judges on the court serve 10-year terms. The winner of this election on March 25 will serve the remaining eight years of Judge Jimmy Genovese’s term. Voters elected Genovese to the Louisiana Supreme Court last November, creating the open seat.
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals covers 21 parishes in all. Those are divided into districts. The seat for which Theall is running in the 3rd Circuit’s third district. The parishes that are part of that district are Acadia, Allen, Evangeline, Lafayette, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes.
“I have tried and prepared cases in seven of the eight parishes,” Theall said. “I am known as a lawyer.”
Theall began practicing law 31 years ago. She also served for three years as a district judge in Acadia, Lafayette and Vermilion parishes.
“I believe that experience makes me uniquely qualified for this position,” Theall said.