LWVKA 2010 Voter Guide

Provide biographical information, including your qualifications for the office of Attorney General and the reasons you are running. (100-word limit)
What enforcement areas do you view as your priorities and what actions would you take regarding them? (100-word limit)
What would be your other priorities as Attorney General and how do you propose to deal with them? (100-word limit)

Bill Schuette
Republican, www.billschuette.com

No candidate for Attorney General in Michigan has ever had a greater breadth of experience. As a Congressman, I joined the Reagan Revolution that lowered taxes, rebuilt our national defense and restored respect for America. As a strong, tough Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, I protected our constitution from special interests and applied our laws as written. As a judge, I witnessed the Lansing political establishment release dangerous prisoners early. Bad policy puts public safety at risk. I could not sit on the sideline and watch that slide continue. That is why I am running for Attorney General.
My first priority is to put Public Safety First. That means using the bully pulpit of my office to reverse the policies of emptying prisons, releasing dangerous prisoners and cutting law enforcement. To be a voice for victims, I will appoint a Crime Victims’ Rights Advocate. I will defend the Constitution, by continuing the lawsuit against Obamacare, and supporting the lawsuit in defense of Arizona’s immigration law. I will establish a new unit, RPM, (Rapid Permits for Michigan), to ensure timely compliance by the state with issuing permits, to strengthen Michigan’s economy. And I will continue the Child Support Unit.
Vigorously enforce the Consumer Protection Act, to safeguard Michigan families from unfair practices. Focus on public corruption, so Michigan has more ethical government. Continue the Cybercrime unit, to protect children from Internet predators. Prosecute fraud and waste in government, especially Medicaid fraud that robs money from seniors. Push for transparency in state spending, so taxpayers can see how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. Defend and protect citizens’ personal privacy, especially information collected by the government. Protect the environment by continuing the lawsuit to keep Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes. Protect consumers against Identity theft.

David Leyton
Democratic, www.davidleyton.org

I am the only candidate for attorney general with experience as a criminal prosecutor. As Genesee County prosecutor, I have tried more than 20,000 cases and achieved a conviction rate of 95 percent. I have been a strong advocate for protecting children against predators, and I am the only candidate with experience in convicting violent criminals and sexual predators. I have a proven track record of cracking down on corrupt public officials and protecting taxpayers. As attorney general, I will be an independent leader who will stand up to my own party to put Michigan taxpayers first.
Our children are some of our society’s most vulnerable individuals, and they require extra protection. I am the only candidate for attorney general who has prosecuted sexual predators, murderers and rapists, and put them in prison. I stood up for children as a local prosecutor, and as attorney general, I will put those who physically or sexually abuse children in jail—and make sure they stay there for as long as possible.
Michigan needs an attorney general who is tough, independent and fair. I’m the only candidate who’s been a prosecutor, and I will bring that same toughness to the attorney general’s office. I’ll be an independent advocate for government reform, and will fight to cut politicians’ pay and end their free lifetime health benefits. I’ll be a fair advocate for regular citizens, not special interests. I will go after unscrupulous companies that hire illegal immigrants or ship jobs out of Michigan, and I will put money back in the pockets of consumers by demanding refunds when insurance companies unfairly raise rates.

Gerald T. Van Sickle
US Taxpayers
Did not respond in time for publication.

Daniel W. Grow
Libertarian, www.danielgrow2010.com

Admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1993, I’ve represented individuals, corporations, and municipalities in a variety of litigation matters. Having represented employers and individuals in claims brought under state and federal law, including civil rights claims, wrongful discharge, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, contractual disputes, and retaliation, my many years in private practice (not government jobs) gives me the real world experience needed. I seek the office because of my commitment to property rights, justice, and the Constitution.
Any matter involving political corruption, the waste of taxpayer funds, violations of property rights, or any other injustice, whether at the state, local, or federal level, must be aggressively pursued. I am free of the political debts career politicians incur to get them where they. The promises and pledges that the others have made will insure that the big-government status quo thrives and expands. Michigan needs an independent attorney general that has pledged to follow the Constitution, including the 10th Amendment, and that understands the principles of liberty.
Committed to economic freedom and individual liberty, I pledge myself to the principles of our founding fathers, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. Economic intervention and political corruption isn’t what made us great. It is what has made us weak. Knowledge of the proper role of government is what’s required, not hollow get tough on crime campaign slogans. I call for leadership based on the moral foundations of our families, our faith, and our communities, and I will be an unyielding advocate for lost liberties.