After the back-slapping and routine chores of reconvening, state Sen. Don Balfour, R-Snellville, took the well to address his December acquittal on 18 felony counts associated with the misuse of his Capitol expense account. Here's what he said:

CMGd Single Player - AJC

Balfour's appearance in the well was preceded by state Sen. Charlie Bethel, R-Dalton, the governor's floor leader, who noted that Balfour's son had just left for another tour in Afghanistan, and wished the young man well. That apparently was a signal that the episode is over -- and that a motion of censure, rumored to be afoot, would be going nowhere.

About the Author

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com