The Republican candidates for Attorney General spoke at a Milwaukee Federalist Society forum on Tuesday night, resulting in discussions on both recent mass shootings across the country and marijuana enforcement.
Eric Toney, the District Attorney for Fond du Lac County, said that restricted gun legislation would not deter criminals from using firearms, instead suggesting harsher punishments for violators, mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, and additional funding for mental health resources. Meanwhile, former State Rep. Adam Jarchow (R-Balsam Lake) argued that the Attorney General should be given more authority in urban areas, arguing that the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) should be able to intervene when district attorneys refuse help or need it. Karen Mueller, an attorney from Chippewa Falls, said she would not go against the state’s current law that allows for gun ownership at age 18.
The candidates differed in their approach to enforcing marijuana laws. Mueller said that the DOJ should concentrate its resources on prosecuting violent crime. Jarchow said that he previously supported reducing penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana, but said that he would enforce the laws passed by the State Legislature. Toney said that marijuana legalization would increase crime, such as driving under the influence (DUI).
Watch the forum here: https://youtu.be/rGuxLIDa6vI
