Willis’ opponents see opening in bombshell claim

ATLANTA — This week’s bombshell allegations against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis have emboldened her Republican critics, particularly members of the statehouse who have sought to use a new law for sanctioning “rogue” prosecutors to reprimand her for indicting former President Donald Trump.

The fallout began within hours of defendant Michael Roman filing a court motion seeking to dismiss the election interference charges a grand jury handed up against him and 18 others in August. The former Trump campaign operative alleged that Willis improperly hired her romantic partner as special prosecutor for the Trump case and benefited financially from their relationship.

Willis so far has declined to address the allegations publicly, saying through a spokeswoman that her office would respond “through appropriate court filings.”

Many of her Republican critics, however, were quick to weigh in. In Washington, the Gop-led House Judiciary Committee, which launched an investigation of the DA’S work in August, posted repeatedly on X that Willis couldn’t be trusted.

At the state Capitol, where lawmakers on Tuesday were converging for their second day of the legislative session, Republicans used the allegations to underscore their pitch for bolstering the state law governing the state’s newly formed Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission.

The Georgia Supreme Court effectively blocked the panel from taking action last year.

“Fani Willis should be investigated immediately. And if these allegations are true, she should resign or be removed from office,” said Republican state Rep. Houston Gaines, who sponsored the law.

Democrats remained quiet about Roman’s allegations against Willis. But privately, many expressed concern about the optics, even with its legal implications still uncertain.