Josh Stein (D) – Candidate for North Carolina Attorney General
Josh Stein (D), running for North Carolina Attorney General
1. Why are you running for office?
The people of North Carolina deserve an Attorney General who has the right experience, who has the right priorities, and who will be independent. I served as Senior Deputy Attorney General for 8 years working alongside Attorney General Roy Cooper and I have a record of taking on powerful interests for the people of North Carolina. I won’t need on-the-job training because I already know the job. As Attorney General, I will protect North Carolina families, and I will fight for the people of North Carolina, not the special interests whether they are of the left or the right.
2. Why should people vote for you?
I will have one priority as Attorney General – protecting North Carolina families. I’ll protect families by cracking down on violent crime and reducing repeat crime through effective prisoner reentry programs. I will protect seniors and consumers by taking on scammers and corporations that break the law. I will protect taxpayers by stamping out Medicaid fraud. As Attorney General, I’ll stand up for those who do things the right way and who play by the rules, and I’ll take on politicians and big corporations when they don’t because no one is above the law.
3. What’s your favorite thing about the area you want to represent?
I love the people of this state. It’s been an honor to serve the public as Senior Deputy Attorney General and as a state Senator for four terms. I’m also a big fan of college sports.
4. What is the biggest problem your area is facing, how will you fix it?
One issue of particular concern is the growing epidemic of opioid drug abuse that is tearing families apart. Prescription opioid and heroin abuse is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States – ahead of automobile crashes. The state needs a comprehensive plan to focus on prevention, treatment and enforcement. As Attorney General, I will work with the public health, substance abuse, medical, and law enforcement communities, among others, to build and implement such a plan.
5. Describe Donald Trump in max 3 words?
Hot-headed, Unprepared, Bully
6. Describe Hillary Clinton in max 3 words?
Poised, Prepared, Qualified
7. What do you do for a living? Why do you do it?
I’m an attorney at Smith Moore Leatherwood and have been a Senior Deputy Attorney General, state Senator, legal counsel in the U.S. Senate, economic developer and teacher. While I have had a number of jobs, I have had one career – public service – and one goal – to help people improve their lives.
8. You’re going to be marooned on a tropical island for a week, you can only bring 1 thing – what is it?
My wife Anna. We’ve been married 20 years and we have three children – Sam (17), Adam (15), and Leah (12). She’s my best friend and companion.
9. What do you think of Colin Kaepernick?
I think his protest during the national anthem is disrespectful to our country; however, I respect his right to peacefully protest.
10. Would you vote to fund light rail expansion in your area?
I have supported public transportation projects in Wake County where I live and recently voted to approve funding for a new transit plan that includes commuter rail.
11. Will you respect the outcome of the election?
Absolutely, that you even have to ask is a sad reflection of the state of political discourse.
12. Favorite TV Show?
I enjoy Designated Survivor.
