BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Election day is just over a month away and the race for attorney general is just one of several contested races. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark, a Democrat, and Republican Challenger Ture Nelson are the two major party candidates.
The race to become Vermont’s top prosecutor is on. The attorney general is responsible for advising state’s attorneys and providing enforcement authority over environmental, consumer, and criminal laws.
Incumbent AG Charity Clark has served in the office for nearly a decade as an assistant attorney general and chief of staff in previous administrations. She says she’s focused on online safety protections for kids, a growing concern with artificial intelligence, and addressing what she calls a youth vaping crisis.
“It’s very concerning to see the kind of fortunes shift when it comes to tobacco products. After decades of enjoying this downward trend with smoking, to have this upward trend with vaping — really young, innocent children being hooked on vaping,” Clark said.
Since being elected in 2022, Clark has brought lawsuits against Monsanto for PCB contamination in schools. She has also targeted social media giant Meta over the mental health impacts Instagram has on children. She says she also hopes to continue the ongoing investigation into TikTok. “The impact is huge. It’s obviously pervasive for students, and we want to make sure they’re protected and have the best shot they can have at a healthy, wonderful life,” Clark said.
On the Republican side is Ture Nelson, a long-time Berlin Selectman, town administrator, and a former federal investigator.
Nelson is not a lawyer and does not hold a law degree but says he wants to bring a new approach to the office with a focus on public safety.
“We have a very ineffective criminal justice system. We have prosecutors who do not want to do their job. With this revolving door of catch and release for criminals, public safety is not achieved,” Nelson said.
While the AG’s office is not in charge of the state budget, Nelson is also focused on reigning in what he calls out-of-control spending. He also wants to ensure government accountability. “We have too many agency secretaries and department commissioners doing their own thing without providing due process of law. These agencies are acting arbitrarily and capriciously until they’re called on it and then they back down,” he said.
When asked why you should vote for them, Clark touted her experience while Nelson pledged a focus on Vermont residents.
“I’m really proud of the work that we have been able to accomplish in just under two years and it’s critical that in this race we are looking at the person who has the experience to deliver results for Vermont,” Clark said.
“I am not interested in running for higher office. I’m not looking to make a name for myself, I’m looking to protect the everyday Vermonters,” Nelson said.
Also on the ballot for attorney general is Rutland County attorney Kevin Gustafson who is representing the Green Mountain Peace and Justice Party.
Election day is November 5th.