THOMPSON
By William Moore
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Justice Court Judge Rickey Thompson has until 11:59 tonight to ask the Supreme Court to reconsider his permanent removal from the bench.
If he does not ask for a rehearing, his removal will become effective June 11. If Thompson, who has represented District 4 since 2004, does ask for a rehearing, it will delay his removal indefinitely.
“There is not a set time-frame within which the Supreme Court must decide a motion for rehearing,” said Beverly Kraft, the high court’s spokesman. “Most are decided within a couple of months. A few take longer.”
Neither Thompson nor his Jackson-based attorney Lisa Ross responded to numerous calls for comment.
Any delay would extend Thompson’s ability to remain a candidate beyond next week. That could pose a problem for Lee County Circuit Clerk Joyce Loftin.
With the primary elections set for Aug. 4, circuit clerks are supposed to have ballots printed by June 20, or 45 days before the election.
“We are aware we have a situation,” said Loftin. “We may have to get some guidance from the Attorney General’s office.
“It makes no sense for the county to print ballots and then have to throw them away and have new ones printed (if Thompson is removed).”
Loftin said the first absentee requests are from the military and others living overseas. Her office can generate single ballots for absentee use while waiting for real ballots.
“With the military, we can actually email them a ballot and the election commission with count those votes themselves on election night,” said Loftin.
william.moore@journalinc.com
