Michael Dougherty Suspends Colorado AG Race

BOULDER, CO -- UPDATE: This story has been corrected to clarify that Dougherty has not withdrawn his candidacy in the statewide AG race, but suspended it, pending his application for Boulder Co. District Attorney. Jefferson County prosecutor and Boulder resident Michael Dougherty announced that he was suspending his campaign for Attorney General in the Democratic primary. Dougherty announced he would be submitting an application for an upcoming vacancy in the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office to Governor Hickenlooper. If he is appointed Boulder DA, Dougherty will re-evaluate his candidacy in the AG race, said his campaign spokesman Daniel Aschkinasi.

“Over eight months ago, we launched this campaign for Attorney General because of my continued commitment to a career in public service. From serving as a leader in multiple prosecutors’ offices, I know how important it is for leaders to have management experience, courtroom skills, and integrity," Dougherty said in an email from his campaign.

Boulder DA, Stan Garnett, who was term-limited from running again, accepted a job at his old law firm, which he called "crazy to pass up," before the end of his term.

"Stan Garnett’s recent decision to leave the District Attorney’s Office presents an important opportunity to continue my life’s work in the community in which my family and I live," Dougherty's statement said. "Over the past few weeks, I have received a tremendous amount of encouragement from leaders in the legal community and law enforcement to pursue the opening for Boulder DA. I am honored by their support of this decision to do so. As a resident of Boulder, the opportunity to serve my family, friends, and neighbors as their District Attorney would be an incredible honor and privilege."

Attorney General Cynthia Coffman announced late that she would not run again, and instead would be running in the GOP primary for Governor, causing a shuffling among AG candidates. So far, four Democrats remain in the June 26 primary: Brad Levin, Amy Padden, Joseph Salazar and Phil Weiser. They will compete with unopposed GOP prosecutor George Brauchler in the general election.

Image via Michael Dougherty campaign website