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The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of New York State and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Qualifications,
Priorities,
Proposed Solutions
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What qualifies you for the office?
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Answer from Kathleen M. Rice:
As a tough and progressive district attorney, I have the experience and vision to protect New Yorkers from illegal activity in Albany and in our communities. I am also the only Democratic candidate for attorney general who has run a large office of attorneys and a law enforcement agency.
Answer from Eric R. Dinallo:
I have a proven record as an Assistant District Attorney, Assistant Attorney General, and head of the NYS Insurance Department. I led groundbreaking cases of fraud and abuse against Wall Street using the Martin Act, and at the Insurance Department I expanded access to health insurance to 400,000 uninsured New Yorkers.
Answer from Sean Coffey:
I have the broadest legal experience in the field, having tried cases as a federal prosecutor, defense lawyer, and co-manager of a prominent plaintiffs' law firm. Our State needs an independent and determined AG to lead the fight to fix Albany, and I am beholden to no one.
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2. What do you see as the greatest challenges and highest priorities?
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Answer from Sean Coffey:
First, serving as the catalyst for reform in Albany.
Second, ensuring that the financial industry is kept honest through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
Third, serving as the People's Lawyer fighting for families like the lower middle class one I grew up in, protecting our environment, workers rights, consumers, etc.
Answer from Eric R. Dinallo:
I will address New York State's crisis of public integrity and have called on Governor Paterson to empower the Attorney Generalšs office to investigate and prosecute public corruption cases.
The next Attorney General must protect consumers and keep a close eye on gaps in federal regulation, while maximizing the office's accessibility.
Answer from Kathleen M. Rice:
If elected attorney general, my top three priorities would be:
A) restoring confidence in our government by rooting out waste and corruption
B) holding our financial institutions accountable to protect investors and taxpayers; and
C) fighting for consumers being taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses, organizations and individual scammers.
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3. What are your solutions?
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Answer from Eric R. Dinallo:
Public Integrity: Eliminate conflicts of interest in Albany, including increased transparency for charities and encourage full-time legislature.
Financial/Consumer Issues: Fill in regulatory gaps from federal government.
Civil Rights: Promote rights with regard to housing, same-sex marriage, and farmworkers.
General: Improve accessibility to the office with an Assistant AG in every County.
Answer from Sean Coffey:
First, giving the AG independent authority to investigate political corruption.
Second, use of the Martin Act on Wall Street with new emphasis on holding persons and gatekeepers accountable.
Third, aggressive enforcement and creative use of existing laws to protect the New Yorkers least able to protect themselves.
Answer from Kathleen M. Rice:
Reform Albany by making the AG's office our lead government watchdog.
Make sure Wall Street plays by the rules by applying the laws we have and passing the ones we need.
Protect consumers and taxpayers with a sophisticated phone and Internet tips system, and by appointing a whistle-blower czar.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc.
