Maricopa County Attorney debate heats up
Reported by: Nicole Beyer
Email: nbeyer@abc15.com
Last Update: 8:12 am



Andrew Thomas (R)
Tim Nelson (D)
Michael Kielsky (L)

Click the play button on the video window to the right to view the story

The first of three debates took off with finger pointing as Democratic challenger Tim Nelson and Libertarian candidate Michael Kielsky took on incumbent Andrew Thomas Wednesday night in Phoenix.

Nelson wants to create a special court dedicated to domestic violence cases because he said it would speed up a devastatingly slow process for victims at no cost to taxpayers.

"You can get the protection you need, the day you need it," said Nelson.

But incumbent, Andrew Thomas called this proposal "group hug courts."

"You need tough punishment," said Thomas.

Nelson also accused Thomas' office of missing the last 8 out of 9 meetings with the Maricopa County Association of Governments Domestic Violence Counsel.

"Mr. Thomas, that meeting is at 1 o'clock tomorrow, I call on you to attend," said Nelson.

Thomas, in turn, started name-calling Nelson.

"We need someone who is tough on crime," said Thomas, "Not an ACLU liberal."

The libertarian candidate, literally left in the middle of this debate.

"Let's just bring some reason to all of this," said Kielsky.

To see Nelson's closing statements, click here.

To see Thomas' closing statements, click here.

To see Kielsky's closing statements, click here.


http://www.abc15.com/content/news/phoen ... d10f75b610