Dave Sunday, a Republican candidate for state attorney general, on Saturday met with ward leaders and state committee members over breakfast at Cannstatter’s.
Congressional candidate Aaron Bashir and legislative candidate Aizaz Gill were among the crowd.
Sunday is the party-endorsed candidate. He faces state Rep. Craig Williams in the April 23 primary. Former Delaware County District Attorney Kat Copeland, who dropped out of the race, is backing Sunday.
Democratic candidates are state Rep. Jared Solomon, former Bucks County Solicitor (and former Philadelphia district attorney candidate) Joe Khan, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and former Defender Association of Philadelphia chief Keir Bradford-Grey.
Sunday, introduced by city GOP leader Vince Fenerty, is 48 and a native of Central Pennsylvania. He joined the Navy and later went to college and law school while working at UPS. He’s been a law clerk, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and a veteran of the York County district attorney’s office.
“Everything under the sun, I have done it,” he said.
Sunday, elected York DA in 2017, told a story of attending a class with other newly elected district attorneys that year. He said he approached a man with dark glasses, introduced himself and offered to shake his hand. Larry Krasner stood up and walked away, Sunday said.
Sunday said he opposes Krasner’s impeachment and removal from office because it would validate him among his supporters and make him a martyr, adding that he hopes the Philly DA loses re-election next year.
Sunday, who is married with a son, said he learns from his membership in the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, adding that Krasner removed his office from the group. He said Krasner’s office is made up of “Little Larrys.”
Sunday said Gov. Josh Shapiro – who was attorney general before becoming governor last year – shies away from criticizing his fellow Democrat Krasner because he does not want to “upset the applecart.”
As for York County, population under 500,000, Sunday said crime and overdoses are down. In the city of York, gang-related shootings and homicides are on the decline. The York County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 73 has endorsed him.
As AG, he will seek partnerships with anyone interested in lowering crime and improving quality of life.
“I bring people together from all walks of life,” he said. “I will work with anyone and everyone to make the community safer.”
In a question-and-answer session, he said he’ll focus on prosecuting illegal gun possession, opposes safe injection sites and supports stop and frisk.
He also supports Act 40, which would require the attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor – not Krasner – to prosecute crimes near SEPTA.
“That would be an absolute instant priority,” he said. ••
