DAGA Download – June 12
June 12, 2020
ON THE TRAIL
WV PRIMARY: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
The outcome of the Democratic Primary for Attorney General in West Virginia will not be official until all the ballots are counted. In response to Tuesday’s inconclusive results, DAGA Executive Director Sean Rankin said, “As we await the official decision in the Democratic Primary for Attorney General, I would like to thank both Isaac Sponaugle and Sam Petsonk for their efforts, hard work, and commitment to serving the people of their state. I think we all agree that the real focus is not on each other but on taking down Patrick Morrisey in November.” Read the full press release here.
2020 (BLUE) VISION IN MT
As the general election heats up in Montana, Democratic candidate Raph Graybill squares off against former Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives Austin Knudsen. A recent Missoula Current article describes the MT AG Race as “one of the richest contrasts between candidates anywhere on the 2020 ballot.” Graybill supports access to affordable health care, safeguarding access to public lands, and protecting privacy. Meanwhile, Knudsen continues to voice extreme positions: opposing Medicaid and selling public lands. Read more here on this battleground state race.
Fun Fact: Raph Graybill outraised the entire field during the primary. Read more here!
BONUS: The Cook Political Report just announced it is moving Montana (and Indiana!) from Lean R to Toss Up. With Republican AGs and candidate now firmly on the defense in red states, the 2020 map is ripe with Democratic pick up opportunities.
YOU READY TO FLIP UTAH BLUE?
In a new poll from the The Salt Lake Tribune incumbent Republican AG Sean Reyes holds a “surprisingly small lead” over challenger David Leavitt with undecided voters actually outnumbering the supporters of either GOP candidate. While the hard-hitting GOP primary unfolds, Democratic nominee Greg Skordas continues to build support across the state.
MERCH ALERT!
Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro announced new merchandise for his 2020 campaign. Three different styled t-shirts all with some Pennsylvania flare! Check them out here.
UPCOMING DATES
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Saturday – IN Dem Convention
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June 15 – College Dems Black Lives Matter Event with AG Ford & AG James
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June 15 – Michigan Women For Biden Event with Michigan AG Dana Nessel
MULTISTATE MOMENTS
KEEPING DRUG PRICES LOW
A bipartisan coalition of 51 state AGs announced a lawsuit against 26 drug makers for “conspiring to rig the market between 2009 and 2016 for more than 80 drugs.” Connecticut AG William Tong, who is leading the effort, said “Through phone calls, text messages, emails, corporate conventions, and cozy dinner parties, generic pharmaceutical executives were in constant communication, colluding to fix prices and restrain competition. They took steps to evade accountability.” Read more about this bipartisan effort here!
AG SPOTLIGHT
TASK FORCE FOR CHANGE
North Carolina AG Josh Stein was tapped by Governor Roy Cooper to head the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice. AG Stein will co-lead the task force with North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls. According to AG Stein the task force “will review law enforcement recruitment, training, and accountability, as well as court issues including pre-trial release and the use of fines and fees. We’ll identify ways to build genuine trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect.” Watch AG Stein speak here. Learn more about how Dem AGs continue to lead the way on transforming policing here!
ANOTHER WIN AGAINST TRUMP
New York AG Tish James scored a big win against the Trump Administration and their attempt to implement a harmful, anti-immigrant policy. A federal judge ruled that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) practice of arresting people at New York courthouses was illegal. AG James said, “this is a victory in our fight to protect immigrant communities and ensure justice is served.” Read more about the latest victory in The New York Times here.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
DAGA Co-Chair Massachusetts AG Maura Healey shared her support for Nevada AG Aaron Ford’s heartfelt speech about the need for our nation to address systemic racism. (AG Ford responded in kind here).
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
North Carolina AG Josh Stein discussed his new role as co-lead of the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice with a journalist at WRAL. The journalist captured the moment with a few special guests.
