Kamala Harris - For California Attorney General 2010

Sacramento Bee Endorsement: State needs a strong attorney general

By Sacramento Bee Editorial Board
May 4, 2010

California's attorney general is the state's top cop, or so the cliché goes. In fact, this state's attorney general ought to be the most important law enforcement officer this side of the occupant of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C.

The job requires passion for justice, deep knowledge of the law, administrative skill, and a willingness to set aside partisanship in pursuit of what is best for the state.

With a budget of $740 million, and 5,300 employees, the attorney general oversees a high-tech crime lab relied upon by police across the state, a bureau of law enforcement officers, lawyers who defend the state's interests in civil cases, and prosecutors who specialize in arcane criminal law and procedure and, importantly, press death penalty appeals.

At his or, perhaps, her best, the attorney general should use the law to defend Californians' interests against white-collar criminals, polluters and consumer rip-offs, and to guard the public against corrupt public officials.

HARRIS IS BEST OF SIX DEMOCRATS

Democratic voters face the daunting task of selecting one of the six serious candidates running for California attorney general.

But ultimately, the choice is clear. Only one candidate has overseen a major district attorney's office, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris. Experience counts.

Harris is a charismatic politician who has spent two decades as a prosecutor, having worked as an Alameda County deputy district attorney before moving across the Bay. She was elected San Francisco's top prosecutor in 2003 and re-elected in 2007.

As district attorney, she has focused on gun violence, gangs, perpetrators of domestic violence, and more. She has made a mark by advocating crime prevention and reducing recidivism, helping to establish a program aimed at dissuading young people from entering lives of crime.

She would bring that same focus to the state Department of Justice.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office is modest in size, 128 attorneys and a budget of $39.5 million. On the far larger statewide stage, Harris could use her political skills to transform the Department of Justice into the innovative and aggressive agency it should be.

Her tenure as San Francisco district attorney has not been without controversy. Most notably, she infuriated San Francisco police by declining to seek the death penalty against a criminal who murdered a police officer. She stands by that decision, saying the jury convicted the killer of second-degree murder, a crime for which the death penalty does not apply. Harris opposes the death penalty but says she "would follow the law" as attorney general.

Like many people who seek the attorney general's office, Harris would be a natural to run for some higher office. There is nothing wrong with ambition. But first she must win a tough primary and what would be a bruising general election.

Her opponents include three assemblymen, former Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, and former Facebook counsel Chris Kelly, who is using his wealth to fund his campaign.

Kelly forthrightly addresses questions and takes stands that would resonate with most voters. His status as an outsider is appealing, and he is no neophyte in the world of politics. He would not be beholden to moneyed interests.

Assemblyman Ted Lieu of Torrance has a compelling personal story, a solid legislative record, and has prosecutorial experience, working as a military prosecutor. He has proved that he can buck his caucus, and carried ambitious legislation aimed at banks. If he falls short in this race, Lieu should not give up on politics.

Assemblyman Pedro Nava of Santa Barbara has experience as a deputy district attorney. Assemblyman Alberto Torrico of Fremont worked as a labor lawyer for unions before winning his assembly seat.

Delgadillo earned our endorsement when he ran for attorney general four years ago, back when his career was promising. But his tenure as Los Angeles city attorney ended ignominiously. The job of attorney general is too important to entrust to a politician seeking redemption.

In this crowded field, Kamala Harris deserves the nomination. Some of her stands would leave her open to attack. But she would be a worthy general election candidate, and bring experience, energy and an innovative spirit to the office of California attorney general.

 

Source: Sacramento Bee

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