Easley Names Hardin to Replace Nifong

State of North Carolina Office of the Governor
Michael F. Easley
Governor
Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Seth Effron
Date: 6/20/2007	Phone: (919) 733-5612
GOV. EASLEY NAMES JUDGE JIM HARDIN TO DURHAM D.A. POSITION
Raleigh - Superior Court Judge Jim Hardin, at the request of Gov. Mike Easley, today agreed to fill the vacancy created by the suspension of the Durham County District Attorney. Hardin served as Durham County District Attorney for 11 years, until 2005. Easley asked Hardin to serve as district attorney until such time as Hardin can take stock of the office, the personnel, and its practices while the governor conducts a search for a full-time replacement to serve the remainder of the term ending in 2008. Hardin is expected to be off the bench and in the district attorney’s office for about two months.
''Judge Hardin has a great reputation for high ethics and integrity,'' said Easley. ''He was one of the state’s finest district attorneys when he served in this capacity in the past. I believe he is the right person now to go in and restore the public’s confidence in the office. This is a real sacrifice on Judge Hardin’s part and we are all grateful for his service.''
Easley also contacted Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby and asked the State Conference of District Attorneys to assist Hardin as he steps in and remedies any problems that exist.
''Jim Hardin has a great record of service to this state, this country, and he gets things done,'' said Willoughby, past president of the state conference. ''He has run the office well in the past and handled high profile cases. Jim has the unique background and talent to get this office back on the right course.''
The appointment is effective immediately. After Hardin completes his assignment, Easley expects to return Hardin to his seat on the Superior Court bench.
In 2005, Easley named Hardin a Special Superior Court Judge. He spent nearly 20 years working in Durham in the district attorney’s office. He currently serves as staff judge advocate for the 81st Regional Readiness Command of the U.S. Army Reserve. He was recently selected for promotion to colonel. From January through June 2006, Hardin served with U.S. Army Central Command during Operation Iraqi Freedom, in Kuwait and Qatar. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University in 1979 and his law degree from Mercer University in 1983.
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