Deal, Barnes unite to back legislation

Former Georgia Govs. Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal may have been on different sides of the aisle, but they’re teaming up to back legislation that would make probate judges nonpartisan offices.  In a letter sent to state lawmakers, they say, “Though we hail from different political backgrounds, we are united in our belief that Georgia’s courts — especially those closest to our citizens — must be impartial, professional, and above all, free from the undue influence of partisan politics.”  HR 251 has already passed out of the House Judiciary Committee, but would need bipartisan two-thirds support in both the House and Senate to pass.  But with two popular (and still influential) Georgia governors behind it, the effort’s odds of success are RISING…