Political campaigns often devolve into mudslinging and vitriolic rhetoric as the power-hungry seek to slake their appetites.
Think “Game of Thrones” with suits and pens rather than naked and with swords.
Are the folks who engage in schoolyard bully tactics fit for office in public service? The answer to that question likely depends on your value preferences and how you feel a public servant should act and speak.
District attorneys in Colorado have their own special responsibilities under the rules of professional conduct. District attorneys have higher ethical obligations than other attorneys because they are not merely advocates but “ministers of justice.”
At worst, Ben Lammons’ campaign has embodied compulsive adversarialism for its own sake. At best, Lammons’ campaign has heaped meritless criticism upon Christian Champagne for his handling of criminal cases, cases Lammons knows nothing about. A wise prosecutor should know that true ministers of justice meaningfully consult with defense attorneys, law enforcement, community resources and victims of crime. Justice cannot exist in a vacuum.
Mr. Champagne’s campaign has risen above the vacuous fray of mudslinging and self-aggrandizing headhunting (i.e. “I incarcerated this specific human being forever, therefore, I’m tough on crime”). Champagne is an original and contemplative justice-seeker who does not resort to base ad hominem attacks, either professionally or politically.
His public service as DA would protect our communities by incarcerating dangerous individuals and would employ the resources needed to help the low-risk offenders, the folks among us that just need a little help along the way.
Mr. Champagne works closely with victims to help restore them from the harms they have suffered because he understands that justice requires it. He has demonstrated his commitment to the ministry of justice and to true public service, day in and day out.
If the criminal justice system is to be something more than an oppressive device degrading and unnecessarily incarcerating poor minorities and low-risk drug addicts, we must choose our ministers wisely.
What is a vote for justice on June 28? Christian Champagne for district attorney.
Sean P. Murray
Durango
