Following up on CJ editor Rick Henderson’s earlier post linking to an L.A. Times op-ed discussing Attorney General and Democrat gubernatorial candidate Roy Cooper’s refusal to defend HB2. It’s a fascinating subject—the state’s top law enforcement official refusing to perform his duty—what’s up with that?
For starters, you’ll probably never guess whom the authors cite as the first example of “non-defense,” which until 2008 was “almost unheard of.” But when I tell you it will make perfect sense—-then-California Attorney General Jerry (Moonbeam) Brown refused to defend Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in the state.
That said, “non-defense” works both side of the aisle—-“Democrats refuse to defend gun rights legislation and anti-same-sex-marriage laws. Republicans refuse to defend campaign finance restrictions, gun control laws and protections for gays and lesbians.”
Bottom line– attorney general is a political position and voters should pay close attention in election years. But how many voters actually do? Here in North Carolina, try a little experiment— in casual conversation (careful now) ask someone what they think about HB2. You’ll probably get a strong opinion, one way or the other. Then ask what they think about the attorney general’s race…..
