Should an attorney general – especially one whose duties require supervision of the electoral system and the prosecution of election fraud – ever serve as an officer of a political campaign?  Outside observers – editorial boards, academics, good government advocates, ethics experts – will undoubtedly say “Never!   Inherent conflict of interest!”  

Back here in the real world, it is perfectly normal for attorneys general, who are also leaders within their political party, to serve as officers in campaigns. While attorney general, I was the Maine Chair of three (losing) campaigns for President.. Today at least two fine attorneys general (McCollum in Florida and Miller in Iowa) are the Chair of Presidential campaigns in their states.  And in the greatest contested presidential election in our country’s history in 2000, my friend Bob Butterworth conducted himself with honor as both the Chair of the Gore campaign and, to the Democratic Party’s great consternation, as Attorney General of Florida when he disagreed with Gore on whether the veteran’s should be allowed extra time to have their votes counted.

Any thoughtful person would have to acknowledge the possibility of a problem, but the truth is that an attorney general also owes a responsibility to share with his constituents his or her views as to who the best person is to be President of the United States.