Utah Election 2024: Ask the AG, part 2

Here are my final questions to Michelle Quist (Utah United), Rudy Bautista (Democrat), and Andrew McCullough (Libertarian) – all of whom are running to be Attorney General. Again, the GOP candidate chose not to participate.

Utah has spent millions defending laws later ruled as un-Constitutional. As AG how will you prevent the state from wasting taxpayers’ money?

Quist: I would prioritize a careful legal review of any laws before defending them in court. My goal would be to ensure the state’s legal efforts are focused on defending laws that have a strong legal foundation and do not infringe on the rights of any Utahns.

Bautista: As AG, I will not turn a blind eye to unconstitutional laws and defend them merely because the legislature and governor think they can push their moral agenda on others.  I would support a push to hold the legislature and governor accountable for wasting the taxpayer’s money. 

McCullough: I would work with the government to get them to understand when they have violated the Constitution, and to try and get them to change their minds.  I would speak out in the legislature and oppose bills which would violate the Federal and State Constitutions.

For several years the AG’s office has been plagued with scandal and a seeming lack of integrity. How would you restore faith in the office?

Quist: A hallmark of my campaign has been to bring the focus of the Attorney General’s Office off of national partisan rhetoric and frivolous legal lawsuits and return the focus to legal matters. Utah needs an attorney general who is nonpartisan, independent, and transparent. LGBTQ+ voters deserve an attorney general who is not focused on hyper-partisan culture war rhetoric. 

Bautista: I have continually stated that the AG should be active in the courtrooms.  I would have my income tax returns made public, and my bank and investment accounts monitored. I would ensure my calendar is made public, and work to strike down the legislation that declared the AG’s calendar private and protected.  Finally, I would create a citizen review board to monitor the AG office and its activities. 

McCullough: First of all, I do not seek higher office for self-importance.  I would simply work to protect citizens against government excesses and to defend freedom.  I would not seek a second term, so I would not be spending time and effort raising money from rich people to support my political needs. 

Specifically, why should LGBTQ+ parents vote for you?

Quist: I’m not a gay parent, but I am the parent of a gay child. LGBTQ+ parents should vote for me because I understand the unique challenges you face and am committed to ensuring that your families are treated with the respect and protection you deserve.

Bautista: I have spent my entire life defending people and standing up to bullying. Evil will prevail if good people fail to act. As AG, I will stand up for the people to protect what makes this state and country the best. In short, I have already, and will continue to, defend everyone’s rights and freedoms, because all people are created equal.

McCullough: I am not sure entirely what sets “gay parents” apart from other parents. All want what is best for their families. I am not a parent and have always been single. I know how discrimination feels and how difficult it is to fit in when you are “not like” others. I will remember that those who are different must be equal (but not be forced to be “the same”.) 

Thank you to all the candidates for their participation. Remember: vote for whomever you like – just vote!