10/29/2006

Editorial

A.G. race offers poor choices

The race for Michigan Attorney General doesn't offer much of a choice.

Incumbent Republican Mike Cox has shown he'll put politics over policy. His challenger, Democrat Amos Williams, isn't qualified.

Cox points up his record on child support collections and consumer protection. What he won't talk about is why he gave high-profile Republican Don Nugent's company a near total pass on possible felony criminal charges connected to a flagrant dumping of toxic materials.

More than two years ago Nugent hired a local hauling firm to get rid of blueberry waste from his Graceland Fruit operation in Benzie County. The firm dumped the stuff into a gravel pit and it eventually turned a local creek orange, killing fish and nearby vegetation.

Cox refused a request to bring felony charges but said civil penalties would be pursued. They're still pending. Cox described Nugent, a Michigan State University trustee and prominent Republican, as his "good friend."

Cox doesn't deserve a second term.

Unfortunately, state Democrats didn't do voters any favor by nominating Williams at the insistence of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Williams simply isn't up to the job.