Moreau v. Tonry

James A. Moreau, a candidate for congressional nomination by the Democratic Party, filed suit against his opponent, Richard A. Tonry, contesting the outcome of the Democratic primary based on allegations of fraudulent election practices. Under established procedure, the suit was allotted to Judge August J. Nobile, Jr., of the Twenty-Fifth Judicial District Court for St. Bernard Parish. Tonry filed a motion to recuse the trial judge. The trial judge overruled the motion and continued the trial of the summary proceeding. Ultimately, after the trial was well advanced, the Fourth Circuit Court of…