McCrery Residency to be Determined in Federal Court

Congressman Jim McCrery`s right to continue representing Louisiana`s 4th congressional district is being challenged. Former political opponent Patti Cox says McCrery isn`t a legal resident of the district he serves. Now she`s taking legal action to prove her point. "If he`s gonna represent Louisiana then he needs to be a resident in the district he represents," said Cox. She has filed a formal legal complaint with Caddo District Court, questioning McCrery`s residency. "I`d like him to be able to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt," said Cox. In order for a candidate to legally qualify to run for office they must be 25-year or older, a U.S. citizen for 7 years and must be an inhabitant of the State of Louisiana when elected. In the legal complaint Cox alleges McCrery sold his residence on Longfellow Trace in Shreveport`s Southern Trace Neighborhood, then listed a P.O. box as his residence along with another home at a different address on Longfellow Trace. Monday morning Cox`s complaint was presented before Caddo District Judge Jeanette Garrett, who was unable to make a ruling on what she`s calling a federal case. "It has been transferred to federal court and will be heard before federal court judges," said Mike Spence, Administrative Assistant, Caddo Clerk of Court`s Office. Cox is requesting that McCrery be disqualified from the election. This would make way for a run-off between her and Dr. Artis Cash. He also challenges McCrery`s residency. "He doesn`t live here. So we`ve been renting a congressman. So I think it`s time we select a congressman that lives here and that has ties to this area," said Dr. Cash. Congressman McCrery is represented by Attorney Tom Arcineaux, who has this response to the impending legal action... "Yes I do think he [McCrery] is an inhabitant and is qualified to serve in congress." No word yet on when the case will go to U.S. District Court.