LYNCHBURG, Va. – The countdown to the May 8 Virginia GOP convention continues, and one of the major races is for attorney general.
The quartet of Republican candidates includes Leslie Haley, Jason Miyares, Chuck Smith and Jack White.
10 News asked about their top priorities.
Haley serves as chair of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, has a business background and focuses on ethics and corporate law.
For her, it’s reopening a post-pandemic society following Governor Ralph Northam’s executive orders.
“This has now gone on for 14 months, and we’re long past the point that anybody can say we’re in a state of emergency,” said Haley.
Miyares represents Virginia Beach in the House of Representatives and is a former prosecutor. One of his priorities is education.
“We cannot survive as a nation if you’re raising an entire generation of children to hate their country, and I think critical race theory has been one of the worst aspects being pushed down on our kids these days,” said Miyares.
Smith is a veteran of the Marine Corps and U.S. Navy lawyer, who continues his private practice. His focus is on protecting citizen rights.
“Of the 17 responsibilities that are assigned to the attorney general of Virginia, number one on the board is upholding the constitution,” said Smith.
White is an Army veteran, former Supreme Court clerk and has a private practice. He, too, has education high on his list.
“It’s not just reopening schools, it’s also curriculum. Critical race theory is top of mine,” said White.
The four candidates agreed on upholding the Constitution, especially the second amendment.
They all support law enforcement while having similar thoughts on accountability and providing more tools like training.