[04/03/02] A second Vicksburg attorney has filed to run for Warren County judge in the November election.

Clarence A. Whitaker, 59, in general law practice in Vicksburg since 1978, turned in qualifying papers to the Warren County Circuit Clerk’s Office on Tuesday. He joins Robert Arledge, 44, in filing for the post now held by 16-year veteran Gerald Hosemann.

The election is seven months away, on Nov. 5, but the qualifying deadline is May 10. Hosemann, who has not had an opponent in the past, has not said whether he will seek a fifth term. A Hinds County grand jury is expected to deliberate an aggravated assault charge he faces in two weeks.

“I think that I can do a good job as county court judge,” Whitaker said. “I have 24 years experience handling cases in county court and youth court. I have the maturity and the temperament to do the job.”

In addition to Arledge, formerly with the Jackson law firm Schwartz & Associates, Warren County Prosecutor Johnny Price, 55, has said he will seek election to the post that pays about $94,000 per year.

Hosemann, 50, was charged Dec. 28 with beating former court reporter Juanita Johnston, who has since said he is not responsible for the injuries for which she spent more than a month in hospitals after being found on his Hinds County ranch property Dec. 6.

Hosemann, who has maintained his innocence, announced March 19 that he would step down March 31 because the charge was hindering his judicial duties. On March 27, he withdrew his resignation. During that time, Vicksburg attorney William Bost Jr., 57, was identified among those seeking the appointment. While Price has said he’s definitely running, Bost has not.

Asked if the situation with Hosemann was a factor in his decision to run, Whitaker said, “It would be less than honest to say my decision to run was not based in part on the situation surrounding the county judgeship.”

Whitaker said he is seeking public office for the first time.

“My campaign will be a grassroots campaign, and I solicit the support of every voter in Warren County,” Whitaker said.

Judicial elections are non-partisan, meaning there are no primaries. The person elected takes office in January for a four-year term.