Incumbent Attorney General Troy King has done little to deserve a second term. Most of his tenure has been one contentious moment after another, which have limited his effectiveness in acting as the state’s chief law enforcement officer. Luther Strange has had a solid career as an attorney and, while his prosecutorial experience is limited, he is a much better choice than King.
For attorney general, we much prefer Luther Strange as the Republican nominee over incumbent Troy King. Strange has promised to restore integrity to the office and work with—not against—local law enforcement and district attorneys. Three lesser known Democrats seek their nomination, and we pick former federal prosecutor Michel Nicrosi.
On the Republican side, we believe the choice is very clear. Luther Strange offers many good reasons for why he would be a good attorney general, but nowhere is that more obvious than in how his stance on bingo separates him from incumbent Troy King.
Whether you believe Alabama should have electronic bingo or not isn’t the issue. That is a public policy question outside the responsibility of attorney general. The question is whether the state’s top lawyer will waffle under pressure, avoid his duties and curry favor with powerful interests.
King has shown poor judgment. He was a featured guest at a political fundraiser hosted by bingo developer Ronnie Gilley. Later, he issued an opinion clearing the way at Gilley’s Country Crossing. A recent series of rulings by the Alabama Supreme Court underscore the point that King is not up to the task — more accurately, has shirked the task — of regulating bingo.
King long ago left behind the people of Alabama and his constituents and it’s time we returned the favor. The Demopolis Times endorses Luther Strange as the Republican candidate for attorney general in the primary.
Attorney General: Luther Strange. He would bring expertise, experience and a new perspective to an office that has been frought with controversy during the recent term.