Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Reichert’s public safety plan, accusing him of copying much of his own plan. Ferguson’s plan, unveiled in March, was previously criticized by Reichert for Ferguson’s lack of leadership and understanding of law enforcement’s role in public safety.
Reichert, a former King County Sheriff and U.S. House Representative, emphasized his 33 years of law enforcement experience in discussing his public safety agenda, which includes efforts to recruit police officers, enforce the law, combat drug trafficking, juvenile crime, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
Ferguson’s campaign spokesperson dismissed Reichert’s plan as duplicative and lacking in addressing staffing challenges facing law enforcement agencies in the state. They emphasized the need for resources to recruit, train, and retain professionals in communities to promote community safety.
Reichert criticized Ferguson for his silence on pro-Palestinian protests on campuses and protests that shut down major roads in the state. He also highlighted differences between himself and Senator Mark Mullet, another Democratic candidate for governor, on issues like reproductive rights, marriage equality, and local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
GOP candidate Semi Bird, who secured the endorsement of delegates at the Washington State Republican Party Convention, highlighted the importance of judges and prosecutors holding criminals accountable and preventing re-offenses by releasing them back into the public.
