The Georgia State Senate opened its controversial investigation into allegations
of impropriety against Fulton County District Attorney Fonny Willis.
One of the defense attorneys in the election interference case
accused Willis of lying on the stand about her relationship
with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Channel 2's Richard Elliott is live at the State Capitol
and Richard,
you got an exclusive interview with DA Willis.
Barely an hour after that special Senate investigative committee ended,
we were able to catch up with finally Willis right
here.
She went into that room to qualify to run for
reelection for District Attorney.
She believes the Senate investigation is politically motivated.
Republicans on that committee insist they're just looking for the
truth.
Only Channel 2 Action News was there as Fulton County
District Attorney Fanny Willis walked into the state Capitol to
qualify to run for re-election.
So we asked her what she thought of the Senate
Special Investigative Committee looking into allegations of impropriety against her.
I think that people are angry because I'm gonna do
the right thing and I'm gonna stand up for justice.
Just over an hour earlier,
that investigative committee called its first witness,
defense attorney Ashley Merchant, and asked her about her efforts
to have Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade kicked off
the case,
speaking more freely than she could in court.
Merchant insisted Willis and Wade's relationship started before she hired
him,
and that both were benefiting financially from the long trial.
Afterwards, Democrats on the committee condemned the entire investigation.
Travesty. It's a shame that we're going through this.
Quite frankly, we ought to be talking about,
as far as this capital is concerned,
things that actually matter to Georgians.
Committee chair Bill Causer, Republican state Senator from Athens,
thought they uncovered new evidence and once again invited Willis
to testify voluntarily.
Or else, but if we find it necessary.
To subpoena her. If she's unwilling to come voluntarily,
then we very well might.
Will has told us she'll make that decision when she
sees a subpoena.
I will discuss that with my lawyer and me and
my lawyer will make a decision and whatever decision he
advises is the best I'll make.
Now, the Senate committee does not have the authority to
levy sanctions against Finally,
Willis. It can simply review,
see if she's if they believe she's broken any state
laws,
change some of those laws or even some of her
funding.
We're live at the state Capitol.
Richard Elliot, Channel 2 Action News.