Anne Zoller Kiefer objected to the candidacy of our client, Hon. Darren Lombard, alleging that Mr. Lombard “failed to qualify for the primary election ‘in the manner prescribed by law’ as required by La. R.S. 18:463,” specifically alleging that Mr. Lombard failed to file a campaign finance report years earlier.
In response, we filed peremptory exceptions of no cause of action, non-joinder of a necessary party, no right of action, and a dilatory exception of lack of procedural capacity. The trial court heard the arguments on the exceptions and held a trial on the merits to ensure judicial efficiency due to the quick pace of election challenges under Louisiana’s Election Code.
Thereafter, the trial court properly granted Mr. Lombard’s peremptory exception of no cause of action, dismissing Ms. Kiefer’s challenge to his candidacy.
Specifically, in affirming the Fourth Circuit noted,
[W]e find the trial court properly found that Ms. Kiefer failed to state an enumerated ground for disqualification of Mr. Lombard under La. R.S. 18:492. We find no error in the trial court’s determination.
Kiefer v. Lombard, 2021-0453 (La. App. 4 Cir. 7/30/21), writ denied, 2021-01125 (La. 8/6/21), 322 So. 3d 784.
Mr. Lombard went on to win the election for Clerk of Criminal District Court in the Parish of Orleans on December 11, 2021, where he currently serves.
You can read coverage on the case here, or see the court rulings in the following links.