Former Gov. Roy Barnes testified Friday at a hearing that could change the course of the Georgia election interference case.
The hearing is looking into whether Fulton County DA Fani Willis should be dismissed from the case because of her relationship with a special prosecutor, Nathan Wade.
One of the defendants in the case argues that relationship amounts to a conflict of interest. Barnes was called to the stand to explain that Wade was not Willis’ first choice for the job.
WATCH: Day two of Willis hearing
Barnes testified, “She told me — it was to me, she said: ‘Would you be interested in being special prosecutor in this case?'” To which the former governor said he replied, “No.”
Barnes said he turned down the job, in part because he had, quote, “mouths to feed” at his law practice and was concerned about potential threats of violence.
Testimony in the two-day hearing ended on Friday, Feb. 16. The case is now in the judge’s hands. It’s unclear when Judge Scott McAfee might rule on the motion to dismiss Willis.
If she or others in her office are dismissed from the case, it could cause significant delays in the election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants.
Jake Cook contributed to this report, which appears on Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News
