David Willson boasts of his experience representing Tina Peters in a recount lawsuit, which a judge threw out, as experience in election-related litigation and disputes over election administration.
Willson, a Republican originally from New York, said on his campaign website that he would prioritize election integrity as attorney general.
“What do I stand for: election integrity, investigating election fraud, fighting tyranny, upholding the rule of law, fighting the woke agenda, ridding our schools of the crap like porn and transgender agendas, protecting parents' rights to raise their kids the way they see fit, defending the underdog,” he said, in an emailed biography to CPR News. “I am principled, believe my word is my bond, and integrity above all is paramount.”
On elections, Willson said he would not “personally control every election function, but he could use the attorney general’s office to review legal compliance, investigate lawful complaints where jurisdiction exists, and advise state actors when laws are violated.”
Willson, 62, is a lawyer who has taken on COVID-19 mandate cases and military service members’ rights cases, according to his campaign website. He also has experience in cybersecurity, he said, from his military experience.
Willson is a retired U.S. Army attorney, former prosecutor and cybersecurity professional, his website said. He served more than 20 years in the Army, where he prosecuted criminal cases and also worked as defense counsel.
After settling in Colorado, Willson became a cybersecurity consultant and spent 10 years representing parents in dependence and neglect cases. He touts his wide experience and knowledge of all sides of the criminal justice system as reasons he is qualified for the state’s top law enforcement job.
The candidate responded in writing to the following questions. They are shared verbatim below.
Affordability: Colorado voters cite affordability and high costs as a top concern, from gas and food prices to housing and childcare costs. What policies would you implement to address this?
“Well, as Attorney General, I would not normally implement policies other than in the office. But, along those lines, I would not sue the federal government or administration every time the President sneezes. I recently learned that the current AG, Weiser, has now sued the Trump administration 64 times. That's four lawsuits a month. That takes state and federal tax dollars away from Coloradans.”
Democracy: What is the state of our democracy? What is working and what isn’t working? What would you do to address those problems?
“The state of our republic is frankly miserable, especially in Colorado. Rising taxes, rising costs, constant government intrusion into our personal lives, seeking to influence and control our children, and rising crime. The cost of living, especially here, is out of control.
The Democrats, in order to continue to fund the lunacy, like free medical care for illegal aliens. Now the legislature is trying to remove TABOR. Nothing is improving, and prices go higher.
What I would do is lower fraud, waste and abuse. The current AG has filed, at the time of this, 64 lawsuits against the federal government and the Trump Administration. That will end. Those lawsuits are costing Colorado citizens money in state tax dollars and federal tax dollars. The policies and laws the democratic legislature has implemented, and the governor has signed, are driving businesses out of Colorado and, frankly, making life difficult for citizens.”
Immigration: What needs to be done about federal immigration enforcement? Including border security and tactics by federal officers?
“The feds have a job to do. They are enforcing the law. Why would anyone want to prevent the enforcement of the law, especially against violent gang members and those committing crimes? The last administration opened the border and let anyone in. Now the Democrats complain about removing those who illegally entered this country. If Congress wants immigration reform, then they should do it. I have been hearing about the need for reform for years. Politicians complain about it and that something should be done. But nothing ever happens.
What do we say to all of the immigrants who came here legally? "Sorry you had to pay and wait so long, but now we are going to naturalize those who snuck across the border?"
Now the massive fraud, waste and abuse that is being revealed that includes many illegals, is untenable. So, what needs to be done? The law must be enforced.”
Editor's note: This candidate has not provided a campaign headshot or been made available for a photo at the time of publication.
