Nessel’s office has filed a formal request with a council of local prosecutors in a process designed to avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of one. But Matt DePerno, who’s cleared an early, critical stage of the GOP nomination process, said that’s exactly what it looks like.
“It’s unprecedented in modern history, where she is weaponizing her office now to attack me, a political opponent,” said DePerno.
Other Republicans facing potential allegations of tampering with election machines in 2020 include a state lawmaker and a county sheriff. The process of deciding on an outside prosecutor can take 60 to 90 days.