The federal lawsuit filed against Timpson Mayor Debra Smith last summer by City Councilman George Grace was dismissed by a Lufkin Federal Judge last week.

Ms. Smith said Judge Zack Hawthorn dismissed the case without prejudice. She added he cited several cases in the decision, mainly the lawsuit lacked federal juridiction.

Judge Hawthorn told Grace in September during a evidentiary hearing that he may have filed the suit in the wrong court since it did not deal with U.S. Constitutional matters.

Grace had claimed voter discrepancies in last Spring's city election. Grace alleges there were seven votes cast in the May election that were not legal.

Mayor Smith told us she was glad it's over and hated it drug out so long.

Grace was seeking $1,800 in campaign expenses after losing last year's election to the incumbent, 128-64.