The two candidates hoping to become Denver’s next district attorney faced off Wednesday night in the studio of the Open Media Foundation, hosted by The Colorado Independent and moderated by editor Susan Greene.
Democratic lawmaker Beth McCann and independent Helen Morgan, the current chief deputy Denver DA, covered topics from how and when they would prosecute police abuse, whether they would ever seek the death penalty in a case, and how they plan to handle the complexities of legalized marijuana in Denver.
The Colorado Independent will have a video of the debate up soon, but in the meantime, here are some highlights captured from our Twitter account from last night’s matchup:
Beth McCann, Denver DA candidate, says there's a perception that law enforcement won't be investigated/prosecuted in Denver for abuses
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Beth McCann says the police union might be "nervous" she might become Denver's next district attorney during @COindependent DA debate
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Context: Beth McCann says the police union wouldn't meet with her. The union endorsed Helen Morgan in the Denver DA's race
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
"I have prosecuted … a Denver police officer," Beth McCann says. Was decades ago. Says she would do it again if it needed to be done.
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Helen Morgan says one of her biggest passions is "being the gatekeeper" when it comes to prosecuting
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
"A month ago I declined a homicide," Helen Morgan says in Denver DA debate. If you can't prove beyond a reasonable doubt, don't file a case
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Moderator Susan Greene brings up case of Clarence Moses El, a case she reported for years. Background: https://t.co/RtaLsjYmIF
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Helen Morgan, current chief deputy DA, says she can't talk about the Clarence Moses El case because her office is currently involved in it
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Beth McCann says a "waste of resources" for the current DA's office, where Morgan works, to prosecute Moses El, and she wouldn't do it as DA
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Beth McCann says she's open to using special prosecutors if she feels she's conflicted. Helen Morgan agrees during @COindependent DA debate
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
"We are warehousing our mentally ill in our jails," says Beth McCann at @COindependent DA debate with Helen Morgan pic.twitter.com/i8ejnDAngt
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Helen Morgan wants a mental health assessment center for Denver, which would cost money to fund, during DA debate
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
"I will not seek the death penalty," Beth McCann says in Denver DA debate. Opposes it morally. Helen Morgan says she would consider the DP.
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Denver DA candidate Helen Morgan says it would be the "easy" route to say she would never seek the death penalty—but can't say that.
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Sex assault, human trafficking and child abuse are cases Beth McCann says she would prosecute herself time permitting as DA
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Helen Morgan says she doesn't know if DA has time to prosecute cases personally. "We have a lot of politicians who get airtime" trying cases
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Helen Morgan says it's "insane" that the marijuana industry can't bank legally, and the current situation aggravates crime in Denver
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
"I came here undecided," says a woman wearing a Jill Stein Black Flag logo hoodie in the crowd at the @COindependent Denver DA debate
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
The woman was wearing this shirt…
Spotted on crowd member at @COindependent Denver district attorney debate between Beth McCann and Helen Morgan pic.twitter.com/P2UNYte3C2
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
"I will not overcharge" in the Denver DA's office, says Beth McCann to questioner.
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Public def asks how u instill ur vision to array of deputy DAs? Morgan says "it starts with management." McCann will do performance reviews
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
McCann would require deputy DAs go to community neighborhood meetings. Morgan says she was a "community prosecutor" in the 1990s
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
Helen Morgan says she loaned her campaign more than $200,000 and didn't want to have to dial for dollars. McCann put in $100k & raised money
— The Colorado Independent (@COindependent) September 15, 2016
