RICHMOND, Texas -- Was an assistant district attorney fired for political reasons or because of job performance? The controversy is brewing in Fort Bend County, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Prosecutor Mike Elliott was fired on Friday in what he describes as a preemptive strike by his boss, Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey.

Elliott said he was fired because Healey was afraid that Elliott was planning to run against him.

"We've discussed it before. That was common knowledge around the courthouse that everyone was asking me to run for office," Elliott said.

"Mike Elliott couldn't get elected dog catcher in Fort Bend County, considering his current reputation," Healey said.

Healey denied that the firing was political, but said he's not allowed to say exactly why Elliot was let go.

"There's a balance between what one brings to the table and takes away from the table, and recently there was a lot being taken away from the table and not enough brought to the table," Healey said.

Elliot was a prosecutor for 16 years. He is active in local Republican politics and is married to Fort Bend County's district clerk.

At one time, he prosecuted former Oiler Warren Moon for spousal abuse. Moon was acquitted.

Elliot said Healey told him he was overly zealous in his prosecutions.

"In the last 16 years, John Healey has not tried one single case and the pressure is out there, wondering why the elected district attorney doesn't step into a courtroom to try a case," Elliot said.