Welch gets backing of prominent attorneys in La. Supreme Court race

The number of judges vying for retiring Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine “Kitty” Kimball’s seat has kept campaign contributions fairly well locked up—until now. First Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jewel “Duke” Welch appears to be the favored candidate by a heavy-hitting group of trial attorneys. Last night, more than 30 prominent local trial lawyers threw a fundraiser for Welch at the French Market Bistro. Scott Andrews, who is chairing Welch’s campaign committee, won’t say how much the event raised but says turnout was high. Word on the street is that the “civil justice lawyers,” as they like to call themselves, are unofficially supporting Welch, a Republican candidate who recently switched political parties. The Louisiana Association for Justice, however—formerly the Trial Lawyers Association—does not officially endorse candidates, and a spokesman with the group denies that it is coalescing behind any single candidate. For his part, Andrews says the host committee of last night’s fundraiser “was predominantly people who are civil justice lawyers … but Judge Welch enjoys broad-based support from all areas of the community.” A poll released earlier this week by one of Welch’s opponents in the race, attorney Mary Olive Pierson, shows Welch with 5% of voter support. To see who was on the host committee last night, click here. —Stephanie Riegel