The race to replace current Attorney General Cynthia Coffman — who left office for an abortive attempt at the governorship — is between 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler and law professor and former Deputy Assistant U.S. Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Both candidates agree the state’s criminal justice system needs improving — but they fundamentally disagree on the actual problem.
Weiser thinks there are too many people in jails and prisons. He supports diversion programs for drug addicts and those with mental illness. Weiser also wants to reform cash bond so people who can’t afford to post bonds don’t stay in jail longer than they should.
He also supports suing the manufacturers of opioid drugs in hopes of receiving settlement money that could go to building rehabilitation centers.
Brauchler calls the number of people in jails and prisons a byproduct of bigger problems in the criminal justice system. He wants state lawmakers to evaluate sentences every eight to 10 years and make them more consistent with current realities. Brauchler also sees the number of untreated mentally ill people tangled up in the state’s criminal justice system as an issue.
Where do the candidates stand on the issues? We've lined up a comparison of the major party candidates below. For more in-depth information, click on either "Yes," "No," or "It's Complicated." William F. Robinson III is the Libertarian Party candidate for AG.
- Back To The CPR 2018 Election Guide
- Colorado Attorney General Candidate Q&A via Denverpost.com
