Candidates For State Attorney General Debate....about Blumenthal

The Republican and Democratic nominees for state Attorney General met for their first debate Thursday night. As WNPR's Lucy Nalpathanchil reports, both candidates took turns explaining how they'd be a different kind of Attorney General than Richard Blumenthal.

Democrat George Jepsen and Republican Martha Dean debated before a packed room at the University of Connecticut School of Law. The event was organized by the Connecticut Law Tribune.

Both candidates aren't new to politics. Jepsen is a former Democratic state chair, and former legislator, and gubernatorial candidate. Dean has run for Attorney General before unsuccessfully challenging Richard Blumenthal in 2002. Both also have more than 20 years experience practicing law. Dean started the debate by explaining how she'd run the AG office much differently than Blumenthal.

"It is right to be ethical in government, but it's simply wrong to use elected office for political or personal purposes."

Dean's criticism stems from Blumenthal's many press appearances and high profile cases that have garnered media attention in his 20 years as Attorney General.  

Jepsen has described Blumenthal as a friend, so during the debate he was much more balanced in explaining how his approach to being the state's chief counsel would differ from the current AG. The business community has complained that the current office strictly enforces many of the state's complex regulations. Jepsen says he will be more business friendly.

"We need an attorney general who will work to build a business environment that is friendly to economic growth and job creation at the same time bring people together and forge a consensus for the common good."

Throughout the debate, Dean pointed out that she would strictly follow the U.S and state Constitutions when defending Connecticut and its residents. Her example includes not hesitating to join litigation on behalf of Connecticut when the 10th amendment is ignored.

"I have pledged to join the other 19 to 20 states that are challenging the requirement under Obamacare that individuals must purchase insurance."

Jepsen fired back that Dean is not consistent because she's critical of Blumenthal having filed federal lawsuits.

"So I find it ironic then when there's a public policy debate where she comes out on the other side of Congress that she's anxious to jump in and file lawsuit herself. I think some of Dick's best work is in challenging the federal government."

One of the lighter questions of the debate came near the end when the candidates were asked about a book that inspired them in their legal career. Jepsen recalled "When the Cheering Stopped", a book about Woodrow Wilson's failure to bring reform thru the Versailles treaty. Dean said the book that inspired her was the Bible because she said it holds many powerful teachings.

For WNPR, I'm Lucy Nalpathanchil.