https://www.depasqualeforag.com/
What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?
My father was a Vietnam veteran who returned home and like so many others, struggled with mental health and substance abuse until he got caught up in the criminal justice system. I am the child of a formerly incarcerated felon and I know the impacts and domino effect that incarceration can have on not just individuals, but their families as well. Because the Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer in the Commonwealth and is tasked with keeping our communities safe, we must elect an Attorney General who understands the origins of individuals’ involvement with the criminal justice system such as poverty, mental health, or substance abuse and the impacts of incarceration on our communities.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I have a record of protecting Pennsylvanians and a history to back it up. From a 100% AFL-CIO record as a legislator, a 100% record for Reproductive Freedom and supporting marriage equality before President Obama, I have shown a willingness to take on tough fights and win. I am the only candidate that has been elected statewide, and I’ve done so twice. Pennsylvanians need an attorney general that can win, will be an advocate for them, and I want to take my experience doing that to the Attorney General’s office.
As a legislator I was the first to post my expenses online. I also introduced legislation to create in-person early voting and to allow independents a voice in the primary.
As Auditor General I was tough and fair and served under Governors of both parties.
This is the type of leadership Pennsylvania needs as Attorney General.
How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?
At the end of the day, I will fight for what is right for Pennsylvanians. But the Attorney General is a role that has to work with District Attorneys from every county, many of whom will be of another party than me. I am committed to ensuring that we sit down, find middle ground, and execute on a plan that keeps our communities safe.
My record as Auditor General shows this is how I lead. When I ran for re-election I was the only candidate endorsed by the state AFL-CIO and the PA Business Roundtable. Why? Because I did my job.
How do you envision the role of Attorney General interacting with other branches of government to effectively serve the interests of the Commonwealth?
As Auditor General, I worked closely with the other branches of government, various agencies, and municipal governments, particularly in advocating for any administrative and legislative changes that needed to be made. I will continue that style of leadership if elected Attorney General.
The Committee of Seventy has partnered with the Carter Center to promote the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections (www.principledcandidates.org) to improve the voting process, encourage honest leadership, and promote civic engagement. Do you support the Candidate Principles?
Yes.
