New York Attorney General candidates with diverse resumes have begun declaring or exploring candidacies to become its next Attorney General. This office is charged with protecting New York against lawsuits, investigating criminal cases and supporting public interest initiatives.
But how should voters choose between five Democratic candidates who share similar policies and expertise?
Paxton
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Paxton has been an unquestioned force in state politics since 1991, winning three statewide offices during that time and becoming one of three presidential candidates to serve three terms as governor of Texas. But in more recent times he has been mired by legal scandals related to securities fraud charges as well as failing to register as an investment adviser – allegations for which two state felony charges have been levelled against him.
His trial will start next month, nine years after being indicted. He stands accused of misusing his power as attorney general to assist a friend and political donor, Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.
Paxton remains popular with conservative activists and one of Trump’s key allies in Texas, despite legal difficulties that have prevented him from filing election results challenges or supporting immigration policies imposed by Trump. He filed an unsuccessful suit challenging election results as well as supporting immigration policies imposed on immigrants by President Trump.
Stollsteimer
Stollsteimer says he plans to expand programs that have helped mitigate gun violence in Delaware County to the state as attorney general, and continue his push for progressive ideas such as ending cash bail and prosecuting construction companies that misclassify workers for wage theft.
His campaign announcement included noting his record as Delco DA – including a 68% reduction in gun homicides and creating the first county-level environmental crimes unit – while also noting endorsement from Philadelphia Building Trades Council and Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
He is one of five Democratic candidates seeking their party’s nomination for Attorney General (AG). Others include state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former Bucks County solicitor Joe Khan and federal prosecutor Keir Bradford-Grey of Philadelphia’s Public Defender office.
DePasquale
DePasquale, a Democrat running as state auditor general for two terms, boasts extensive administrative experience with regard to justice system issues through audits such as one that assessed backlogged rape kits and one that revealed gaps on the state child abuse hotline. He believes these audits provide him with insight into justice system concerns.
He would use consumer protection powers to investigate attempts to suppress votes and prosecute hate crimes against gay people, oppose efforts to ban books in schools and protect abortion access; end Social Security offset that cuts state income taxes; raise personal income tax rates for millionaires; as well as ending Social Security offset that cuts state income taxes – his campaign has received endorsement from Democratic legislators, local officials, as well as organizations like EMILY’s List and Teamsters Local 623.
Khan
State attorneys general serve an integral role in our daily lives. From prosecuting marijuana possession cases to investigating insurance fraud schemes, their decisions impact us all directly.
As former Bucks County solicitor and assistant district attorney, Khan has prosecuted corruption cases against local and county officials while going after chemical companies that pollute the environment. He boasts an impressive list of endorsements including one from Clean Air Action.
Khan is a powerful megalomaniac who pursues power at any cost, making him Captain Kirk and his crew’s archenemy. Possessing superior intellect, strong mind control capabilities (including killing Captain Terrell and Chekov with space slugs) and enhanced strength that allows him to crush phaser pistols in his hand or pick up grown men easily, Khan represents one of their worst foes.
Bradford-Grey
Keir Bradford-Grey, 48, Philadelphia’s former Chief Public Defender would make history if elected Attorney General. She would also become one of only a few Black candidates whose legal career consisted mainly of public defender work rather than prosecution.
She has an outstanding record of rectifying racial disparities within the criminal justice system and providing alternative pathways to incarceration. She spearheaded her city’s pre-entry initiative that connects individuals to social services rather than jail time or cash bail.
Bradford-Grey is a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads law firm in Center City and leads their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Her practice primarily includes white collar investigations as well as nonprofit advisory work and educational organization advice. Bradford-Grey advocates that Pennsylvania’s chief prosecutor focus on improving consumer protections as well as developing evidence-based approaches to crime fighting.