Victor Joecks: Ford and Cannizzaro Avoid Their Soft-on-Crime Positions

A Shift in Tone: Democrats in Nevada Embrace Law Enforcement Rhetoric

In a surprising turn of events, some of Nevada’s leading Democrats are adopting a tone that mirrors that of Republicans when it comes to public safety. This shift is particularly evident in the state's upcoming gubernatorial and attorney general races, where candidates are increasingly emphasizing their support for law enforcement and stricter crime policies.

On Monday, Attorney General Aaron Ford officially launched his campaign for governor. As the current front-runner, Ford is seen as a strong contender, but the primary race is far from a sure thing. Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill has also announced her intention to run, and former Governor Steve Sisolak is still considering a bid. Hill, who is relatively unknown in Southern Nevada, would likely need a fierce primary battle between Ford and Sisolak to have any realistic chance of winning.

The competition for the position of attorney general is equally intense. Treasurer Zach Conine and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro are both vying for the role. Conine has previously won statewide elections, giving him a significant advantage. Meanwhile, Cannizzaro holds more political power within the state legislature, although she is less well-known outside of Nevada. Her position should help her raise substantial funds for her campaign.

Despite the competitive nature of these races, what stands out is how Ford and Cannizzaro are addressing issues related to crime and law enforcement. In his campaign launch video, Ford highlighted his work with law enforcement to protect communities and his efforts to combat fentanyl smuggling across the border. However, he did not mention his past actions in helping illegal immigrants avoid deportation.

Cannizzaro, on the other hand, emphasizes her experience as a prosecutor in her introductory video, claiming she put dangerous criminals behind bars. Public safety is the top issue on her campaign website, and she even takes credit for protecting law enforcement funding.

This focus on law enforcement is unusual for a primary election, especially among Democrats. Typically, candidates run to the center once they secure their party's nomination. However, Ford and Cannizzaro are already aligning themselves with law enforcement before the primary, suggesting that they recognize that even Democratic voters are no longer receptive to the party's traditional "soft-on-crime" policies.

Unfortunately, their rhetoric does not always match their actions. In 2019, both Ford and Cannizzaro supported Assembly Bill 236, which significantly reduced criminal penalties for many offenses. This bill raised the threshold for felony theft to $1,200, meaning that individuals stealing $1,000 worth of items could only face misdemeanor charges.

This policy change has had a ripple effect. Prosecutors have stopped pursuing theft cases due to the lower severity of the charges. Police officers have become less likely to arrest thieves, and stores have started avoiding calling the police altogether. Democrats then claim that this leads to a decrease in crime, but the reality is reflected in the locked shelves at local retailers.

Governor Joe Lombardo has attempted to strengthen Nevada’s criminal penalties, but legislative Democrats have resisted these efforts. The best outcome for Nevada would be for both Democrats and Republicans to agree that more criminals should be incarcerated. It would also be beneficial if Ford and Cannizzaro had changed their stance on previous pro-crime policies. However, they have not done so.

Instead, they seem to be focusing on making voters believe that they have shifted their positions.