Republican DA hopefuls spar for chamber

Candidate Robert Wareham, right, makes the point for a CEO-driven district attorney’s office, as opponents George Brauchler, Leslie Hansen and John Topolnicki listen. The South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate on March 7 for Republican district attorney candidates. Photo by Peter Jones

Outsiders and office veterans make their case to business leaders

By Peter Jones

The four Republican candidates for district attorney differed on a range of issues – from Colorado’s habitual-offender statute to police unions and office politics – at a March 7 debate hosted by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.

As controversial District Attorney Carol Chambers prepares to leave office, most candidates agreed the next chief prosecutor must forge better relationships with