Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers endorses John Kellner in AG race
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers is endorsing a candidate in a statewide election, for a position he once held.
Suthers, a Republican, is endorsing fellow Republican challenger John Kellner.
Suthers announced his endorsement to a crowd of Republican lawmakers, district attorneys, and other supporters gathered at the Pioneers Museum Sunday afternoon.
Kellner currently serves as the 18th Judicial District Attorney for the Arapahoe, Elbert, Lincoln, and Douglas county areas.
In his announcement, Suthers had a very clear message: the state and the city are seeing a rise in crime. He's endorsing Kellner because he believes addressing the problem hinges on electing a "tough on crime" candidate.
That's something current Attorney General Phil Weiser has often been criticized for. Weiser has advocated for early prison release legislation and improving and reforming the criminal justice system. Suthers believes that approach has enabled repeat offenders, and in his opinion, has compromised safety in Colorado.
Suthers says Weiser bares some responsibility for that.
"We've got way too many people on the street that should not be on the street."
Suthers believes Kellner will take a stiffer position on crime. But, both Weiser and Kellner have said they don't believe the attorney general is directly responsible for crime levels in the state.
Weiser claims he advocates for "public safety solutions," including through work on the red flag law, as well as advocating for gun safety and safe storage.
Weiser's campaign touts his ability to reach across the aisle and told KRDO in a statement, "AG Phil Weiser has broad support across the state, including from many prominent conservative and independent leaders such as his Republican predecessor AG Cynthia Coffman, Senator Don Coram, and Former House Speaker Russ George, as well as multiple district attorneys, county commissioners, and sheriffs. These endorsements are a testament to Phil's bipartisan work, showing up, listening, and delivering results for all of Colorado."
