Ragsdale v. Progressive Voters League

Paul Ragsdale sued the Dallas County Democratic Progressive Voters League for violations of the Election Code. 1 He was granted injunctive relief, but was denied damages and attorney’s fees. 743 S.W.2d 338. On remand the trial court awarded damages of $1 and $150 for attorney’s fees. Ragsdale again appealed and the court of appeals reformed the judgment holding that the statutory penalty of twice the amount that the committee had illegally spent on the rival candidate is required; and, holding an abuse of discretion, severed the attorney’s fees portion remanding that issue for a new trial.…