Dem AG candidates clash over experience, leadership, Trump
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Democratic candidate debate for attorney general. Photo: Robert Sanchez/Axios
Democratic hopefuls for Colorado attorney general sparred in Parker on Thursday night over who has the experience — and temperament — to serve as the state's top law enforcement officer during the second half of President Trump's term.
Why it matters: All eyes were on Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who has skipped more candidate forums and debates than her lesser-known rivals.
The big picture: Term-limited AG — and fellow Democrat — Phil Weiser is running for governor, opening one of Colorado's most consequential statewide races and triggering a high-profile contest among experienced Democrats vying to replace him.
Griswold, the highest-profile candidate, faced attacks over her lack of courtroom experience, frequent cable news appearances and allegations of a toxic workplace.
- "Google my name ... [and] put 'employee issues' ... And then Google each candidate's name ... and see what comes up," Boulder District Attorney and candidate Michael Dougherty said.
Candidate Hetal Doshi also contrasted her experience with Griswold's.
- "As a management philosophy, I don't believe in telling my team to do something I have not, myself, done before," said Doshi, a former top federal prosecutor.
Zoom in: Griswold touted her experience leading a state agency and downplayed her lack of courtroom credentials.
- She argued that no sitting Colorado attorney general has tried a case since the 1860s.
The intrigue: Griswold cast herself as a bulwark against the Trump administration, repeatedly citing the Justice Department lawsuit over her refusal to turn over unredacted voter data.
Griswold also called Gov. Jared Polis' clemency of Tina Peters "a hugely dangerous precedent."
Yes, but: "On its own, being anti-Trump is not a political philosophy that is complete or meets this moment or solves the needs of Coloradans," Doshi said.
- "The last thing in the world Colorado needs ... is a hyperpartisan attorney general who is looking to get their face on cable TV," said candidate David Seligman, a workers' rights attorney who heads Towards Justice, a legal and labor rights organization.
In the room: Griswold's debate style differed from her opponents'.
- Her challengers stood when they spoke extemporaneously.
- Griswold sat and often appeared to read from handwritten notes.