That way, there would have been no huge rush to beat the start of the next legislative session. The costs to taxpayers of holding the contest would have been kept to a minimum. But the bigger issue is one of integrity, not convenience. Convicted public officials should not be allowed to keep their seats, even though the verdicts are under appeal. When a jury issues a guilty verdict, the presumption of innocence is erased.
Public trust erodes as well.
It's hard to have faith in someone who's behind bars. That's why legislators should use Ms. Johnson's case as an example of why Georgia law should be changed. The former senator seems to have trouble understanding the proper role of public servants. No one begrudges her the right to appeal her conviction on five counts of mail fraud. She just shouldn't remain in office, as a suspended lawmaker who has no powers, while her appeal is pending.