Political Rewind: Former Georgia U.S. Attorney BJay Pak testifies; Bipartisan effort on gun safety

Caption

U.S. Attorney Byung J. "BJay" Pak's resignation came just days after a phone call between then-President Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was made public in early January. But newer testimony into Trump's interference in the 2020 election shows a closer connection to Trump's efforts and Pak's departure.

Credit: File photo

The panel:

Charles Bullock — Professor of political science University of Georgia

Patricia Murphy — Political reporter and columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tammy Greer — Professor of political science, Clark Atlanta University

1. Former U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak to testify during today's Jan. 6 committee hearing

• Pak is the former Atlanta-based U.S. attorney. 
  • He was pressured by former President Trump to go along with his plan of election fraud. 
  • He resigned abruptly on Jan. 5, 2021, after learning Trump wanted to fire him. 

2. Ex-Trump campaign manager will not appear before committee today 

• CNN reports that Stepien did not show up due to a family emergency. 
• Stepien was subpoenaed to appear before the committee, and scheduled on the first panel today at 10 a.m.
  • That panel was delayed. 

3. Cobb elections chief to testify in Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis' probe 

• Janine Eveler, director of elections and registration, will testify to a grand jury on Thursday. 
• During the 2020 elections probe Eveler and others were subject to a audit of absentee ballots after then-President Trump lost the state.

4. Rallies in Georgia and around the country focus on gun safety laws.

• A bipartisan group of senators came together to work on red flag laws.
  • 10 Republicans are working with Democrats on the legislation.
• NPR reports the proposal would give states incentives to mark red flag laws, money for mental health resources in schools, and expanded background checks for those 18 to 21. 
• Patricia Murphy said Warnock says this compromise is a move in the right direction, but Stacey Abrams says the proposals aren't enough in a state like Georgia. 

5. Rifts widen between Trump-aligned GOP officials and Gov. Brian Kemp.

• U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was the headliner for the Foundation Breakfast on June 29.
• Gov. Brian Kemp and other top Republicans did not attend.

Tuesday on Political Rewind:

The AJC's Tamar Hallerman joins the panel.