Staff Reports
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis chose to miss her first debate before early voting in the Democratic primary. Instead, she organized a “self-care fair” for crime victims. This decision left her opponent, Christian Wise Smith, debating an empty podium. Willis has faced criticism for appointing her romantic partner, Nathan Wade, to work on the case against former President Donald Trump. Judge Scott McAfee has raised concerns about the relationship between Willis and Wade, stating there are questions about the truthfulness of their testimony regarding the timing of their relationship.
Fani Willis No-Shows Debate To Host ‘Self Care Fair’ Amid Legal, Ethical Scrutiny. pic.twitter.com/W9c4QbVsN3
— Laszlo Knows 🇺🇸 (@Laszlo99659) April 29, 2024
Smith, during the debate, emphasized the need for a change in leadership. He pointed out the high payment made to Wade for his work on the Trump case, highlighting that it left others in the county vulnerable. Smith also questioned the fairness of the contracts awarded by Willis’s office, noting the pay disparity between Wade and the state’s top racketeering expert. He highlighted his own experiences working in the office and the discrepancies in salary compared to what Wade received.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Willis and Wade has led to calls for Willis to be disqualified from the Trump case. Despite the concerns raised, both Willis and Wade have maintained that their relationship did not start until after Wade was hired. However, McAfee’s decision in March indicated doubts about the truthfulness of their statements regarding the timeline of their relationship. The defendants in the case are continuing their efforts to have Willis disqualified.
The absence of Willis at the debate raised questions from Smith about her priorities and commitments to the citizens of Fulton County. He expressed concerns about Willis attending events like the White House correspondents dinner and fundraising activities while neglecting the issues within the county. The decision to skip the debate in favor of a “self-care fair” has drawn criticism and added to the scrutiny surrounding Willis and her handling of the Trump case.
It is concerning to see a district attorney prioritizing personal events over important public engagements like debates. The questions raised about the relationship between Willis and Wade, as well as the handling of contracts and payments, raise serious doubts about the fairness and transparency of the legal proceedings. It is crucial for public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability, especially when handling high-profile cases like the one involving a former president.
