Tempers flared Thursday night in what is expected to be the final debate between two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for top prosecutor in a three-county region.
With ballots in the mail or already delivered, Christian Champagne and Ben Lammons took swipes at each other in a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The hour-long exchange was broadcast live on the city of Durango’s television station, and is available for streaming on the city’s website. Only about 30 people attended the forum held in Durango City Hall.
Champagne serves as assistant district attorney, while Lammons works as prosecutor for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. They are vying to replace District Attorney Todd Risberg, who is term-limited.
The district attorney oversees about 25 employees and a $2 million budget for Archuleta, San Juan and La Plata counties.
About two-thirds of the way into the forum, Champagne became frustrated with Lammons’ attacks on his prosecutorial record and level of experience. In his closing remarks, Champagne compared Lammons to Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, calling him “dangerously incoherent.”
“We don’t know what he’s going do, do we?” Champagne said, referring to Lammons. “All he does is criticize and attack, and frankly I’m tired of it, and I think this community is tired of it.”
He said Lammons has tried to dig up dirt and do “opposition research” rather than share his vision for the District Attorney’s Office.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Lammons has dragged this campaign down into the mud, but I can tell you that I’m going to be a positive leader, that I can move us forward into the future. I have a vision. I have the experience, and I have the know-how to get this job done, keep this community safe. And I have the concrete results to prove it,” Champagne said. “I deserve to be your next DA. I’ve earned it, and I want to serve this community more than anything in the world.”
Lammons said he wants to bring more experience to the office and improve overall safety for the community.
He cited about a dozen cases Champagne has prosecuted during the past seven years, saying four ended in mistrials, and in others, dangerous defendants have been given favorable plea agreements with light jail or prison sentences.
“We need to elect an experienced and ethical lawyer who can restore faith in our local District Attorney’s Office,” he said. “... We need to eliminate mistrials for violating court orders. These are expensive to taxpayers, and they revictimize the victims. We also need to make sure our plea agreements are squarely aligned with community values.”
The candidates were given two minutes each to answer questions about their experience, their involvement with restorative justice and their judicial philosophy when it comes to sexual assault cases.
Champagne said he has been the dedicated sexual assault prosecutor for the past two years, so he has a firm understanding of the situation in the community.
“I’m here to tell you: It’s happening every single day,” he said.
Champagne said he takes a victim-centered approach, meaning he works closely with victims to determine how comfortable they are with the judicial process and what outcome they desire.
But Lammons said prosecutors must also consider community safety. He cited a specific case, saying Champagne offered a favorable plea agreement to a sexual offender.
It’s easy to Monday morning quarterback cases, Champagne said, but it’s also “intellectually dishonest,” because prosecutors face certain nuances that are unknown to the general public.
Candidates were also asked about their leadership philosophy.
Champagne said some leaders have a “kiss the ring” attitude, but he tries to lead by example and encourages colleagues to be their best. He would appoint an assistant district attorney who balances his strengths and weaknesses.
Lammons said the current makeup of the District Attorney’s Office has a lot of young employees, so his 20-plus years experience would serve as a good role model.
shane@durangoherald.com
Christian Champagne
Age:
41
Family:
Wife, two kids
In La Plata County:
Since 2005
Practicing law:
11 years
First president you voted for:
Bill Clinton
Favorite quote:
“The District attorney ... seeks justice only, – equal and impartial justice – and it is as much the duty of the district attorney to see that no innocent man suffers as it is to see that no guilty man escapes.” – Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Commonwealth vs. Nicely, 1889.
Ben Lammons
Age:
53
Family:
Wife, five children
In La Plata County:
Since 2007
Practicing law:
26 years
First president you voted for:
Walter F. Mondale
Favorite quote:
“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” – Winston Churchill
How to vote
Ballots were mailed last week to those affiliated with a party. Unaffiliated voters can affiliate with a party anytime through primary election day on June 28. However, if they wish to receive a mailed ballot, they must affiliate by June 20.
Completed ballots must be received by 7 p.m. June 28, and they can be returned by mail or dropped off at 24-hour drop boxes at:
La Plata County Clerk & Recorder, 98 Everett St., Suite C, Durango.
Bayfield Town Hall, 1199 Bayfield Parkway, Bayfield.
La Plata County Administration Building, 1101 East Second Ave., Durango.
For additional information about the ballot, places to vote in person or drop off ballots during limited hours, visit
http://bit.ly/1sxSqz6
.
The Herald’s election coverage will continue this week with stories on all GOP U.S. Senate candidates, and the Republican races in the 3rd Congressional District and State Board of Education. Coverage of
last week’s debate
between the Democratic candidates in the District Attorney contest can be found at durangoherald.com.
