Lautenschlager, Falk face off during Milwaukee forum

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“I think my extensive jury trial experience on the state and federal levels helps to execute some of the primary functions of this job.” Peg Lautenschlager Wisconsin Attorney General Photo by Jack Zemlicka

With primary elections mere weeks away, candidates for Wisconsin Attorney General are getting their final chances to promote their respective platforms.

The Milwaukee Bar Association welcomed the Democratic candidates to a public forum on Aug. 24. Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager and challenger Dane County Executive Kath-leen Falk exchanged perspectives on topics ranging from job qualifications to criminal priorities.

Well-attended by members of the bar, media and other Wisconsin residents, the hour-long forum saw the candidates agreeing on most of their positions.

The biggest difference of opinion arose early in the forum on the topic of juvenile and gang violence. While both candidates pledged an aggressive approach to curbing the rising trend in the state, each had a different strategy.

Falk cited her success with programs in Dane County and noted “one of my reasons for running is because, quite frankly, I think we need better leadership in the attorney general’s office on this issue.”

“I’ve dealt with a budget five times the size of the Department of Justice and I’m not going to look and say, there’s no more money; I’m going to reprioritize resources to make sure the job gets done.” Kathleen Falk, Dane County Executive Photo by Jack Zemlicka

Specifically, Falk hoped to invoke the Wisconsin Organized Crime Control Act (WOCCA) to deter gang crime. According to Falk, WOCCA would allow the Attorney General to prosecute a gang as a group in multiple counties, and provide simultaneous jurisdiction with local district attorneys in an effort to enforce stiffer penalties.

“I would utilize a statute that has been on the books that is rarely used, but it ought to be and should be,” said Falk.

Lautenschlager claimed her office has used WOCCA on occasion, but that often local district attorneys are capable of prosecuting gang crimes and that “it would be silly for the state to come in and handle a case virtually identical to substantive charges of the DA’s office. Often, local district attorneys can get a bigger sentence and we’ll work in conjunction with them.”

The two did share similar viewpoints on the topics of illegal immigrants, the death penalty and Internet predators.

Lautenschlager reinforced her belief that “the federal government needs to take the lead,” on immigration laws and that she hopes when direction is given, that it will be comprehensive as well as racially and economically sensitive.

Similarly, Falk supported the update of immigration law, but opposed the “mean-spirited” exchanges on the topic which have become prevalent in the media.

Both candidates strongly opposed the Nov. 7 advisory referendum on the death penalty, agreeing that it would create more appeals for an already overburdened court system and be a costly venture.

On the subject of internet predators, Lautenschlager touted several initiatives generated and enforced by her office including the Amber Alert system and the Crimes Against Children Program.

“It’s an issue, which is a real priority for the Department of Justice, and one which we will approach through education and training of our law enforcement officials,” said Lautenschlager.

Falk also discussed programs she helped develop in Dane County in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin and local business.

Despite some commonalties shared by the candidates, each used the afternoon to play to her strengths. Lautenschlager emphasized her experience in the courtroom as a necessity to the position of attorney general.

“I think my extensive jury trial experience on the state and federal levels helps to execute some of the primary functions of this job,” said Lautenschlager. “Preparing people in all of our offices to go to court is essential.”

Falk spoke on her resume as an administrator in Dane County for the last decade and her managerial effectiveness.

“I’ve dealt with a budget five times the size of the Department of Justice and I’m not going to look and say, there’s no more money; I’m going to reprioritize resources to make sure the job gets done,” said Falk.

The Milwaukee Bar Association had scheduled a similar open forum for Republican candidates, Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher and former United States Attorney for the Western District J.B. Van Hollen yesterday.

Jack Zemlicka can be reached by email.