With Judge Douglas Long of Pulaksi County presiding, the case to decide whether State Rep. Connie Johnson can stay on the State Senate ballot got under way this morning in the Carnahan Courthouse downtown.One of Johnson’s two rivals from within the party - State Rep. Robin Wright-Jones - filed a lawsuit challenging her residency status.

Long, who was appointed by the State Supreme Court after the previous judge recused himself, brought some country charm to today’s hearing, greeting Wright-Jones and Johnson with a, “Nice to know you, ma’am.”

This morning, Long heard testimony from a State Farm agent who sold Johnson auto insurance using an address in the city’s West End - at an address outside both Johnson’s current House district, and the Senate district she is seeking to represent.

The court also heard from a real estate agent who sold the West End home, on the 5800 Block of Maple Avenue, to Johnson.

The key question for the court is whether that home became Johnson’s primary residence, or whether she only stayed there occasionally to care for her ailing mother.

Back to court now - look for updates later.