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'''James David Caldwell, Sr.''', known as '''Buddy Caldwell''' (born May 20, 1946), is an [[United States|American]] [[politician]] and [[attorney]] based in Tallulah in Madison Parish in northeastern [[Louisiana]]. A [[Democratic Party|Democrat]], Caldwell switched in 2011 to the [[Republican Party]] while serving two four-year terms as state attorney general from 2008 to 2016. In 2019, he returned to the Democrats to seek the position of [[sheriff]] of Madison Parish.

'''James David Caldwell, Sr.''', known as '''Buddy Caldwell''' (born May 20, 1946), is an [[United States|American]] [[politician]] and [[attorney]] based in Tallulah in Madison Parish in northeastern [[Louisiana]]. A [[Democratic Party|Democrat]], Caldwell switched in 2011 to the [[Republican Party]] while serving two four-year terms as state attorney general from 2008 to 2016. In 2019, he returned to the Democrats to seek the position of [[sheriff]] of Madison Parish.

Prior to his tenure as state attorney general, Caldwell was the district attorney for the 6th Judicial District, which encompasses the heavily [[African-American]] parishes of Madison, East Carroll, and Tensas parishes, with service from 1979 to 2008. Caldwell is also an entertainer, [[guitar]]ist and songwriter known for his impersonation of [[Elvis Presley]].[1]

Prior to his tenure as state attorney general, Caldwell was the district attorney for the 6th Judicial District, which encompasses Madison, East Carroll, and Tensas parishes, with service from 1979 to 2008. Caldwell is also an entertainer, [[guitar]]ist and songwriter known for his impersonation of [[Elvis Presley]].[1]

Early in 2011, Louisiana political commentator Jeff Crouere speculated that Caldwell, then a Democrat, was "considering a switch to the GOP to prevent a challenge this fall" as Democrats faced increased difficulty statewide.[2] Caldwell ended up officially switching parties on February 2, 2011.[3] Caldwell was unopposed for a second term as attorney general in the nonpartisan blanket primary held on October 22, 2011. With his switch of parties, Caldwell became the first Republican to hold the office of Louisiana attorney general since the end of [[Reconstruction]].

Early in 2011, Louisiana political commentator Jeff Crouere speculated that Caldwell, then a Democrat, was "considering a switch to the GOP to prevent a challenge this fall" as Democrats faced increased difficulty statewide.[2] Caldwell ended up officially switching parties on February 2, 2011.[3] Caldwell was unopposed for a second term as attorney general in the nonpartisan blanket primary held on October 22, 2011. With his switch of parties, Caldwell became the first Republican to hold the office of Louisiana attorney general since the end of [[Reconstruction]].

Caldwell graduated from Tallulah High School in 1964. He lettered in basketball, football, and track. His mother's Minsky family had a drug store in Tallulah, where he worked part-time during his teen years.[5] Caldwell also played semi-professional baseball in North Louisiana while he was still in high school, as did several other Louisiana politicians, including the late Education Superintendent [[Bill Dodd]] and former State Representatives Lantz Womack of Winnsboro, and L.D. "Buddy" Napper of [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]].[6]

Caldwell graduated from Tallulah High School in 1964. He lettered in basketball, football, and track. His mother's Minsky family had a drug store in Tallulah, where he worked part-time during his teen years.[5] Caldwell also played semi-professional baseball in North Louisiana while he was still in high school, as did several other Louisiana politicians, including the late Education Superintendent [[Bill Dodd]] and former State Representatives Lantz Womack of Winnsboro, and L.D. "Buddy" Napper of [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]].[6]

Caldwell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, with a minor in history, from [[Tulane University]] in [[New Orleans]], wat which he played [[football]] and ran track. In 1973, he received his law degree from the Tulane Law School. He established his solo law practice in Tallulah, which he maintained until being elected as district attorney in 1979.[5]

Caldwell earned his [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in psychology, with a minor in history, from [[Tulane University]] in [[New Orleans]], wat which he played [[football]] and ran track. In 1973, he received his law degree from the Tulane Law School. He established his solo law practice in Tallulah, which he maintained until being elected as district attorney six years later.[5]

==District attorney==

==District attorney==