Nevada’s gubernatorial race between Gov. Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford is highly competitive. As Election Day nears, both candidates are intensifying their campaigns.
Lombardo recently appeared on ‘Saturday in America’ to discuss key issues in the race. He criticized Ford for supporting clemency in several controversial cases involving convicted murderers, including those responsible for heinous crimes like an execution-style killing and a fatal beating.
“Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford supported clemency for individuals involved in serious crimes, sparking backlash,” a Fox News Digital review revealed.
Among these cases, Ford backed clemency for a convicted killer who murdered a pregnant woman. He also supported reduced sentences and pardons for other violent offenders during his tenure as attorney general.
Ford’s controversial clemency decisions are key talking points in his campaign against incumbent Republican Lombardo. Ford aims to become Nevada’s next governor, challenging Lombardo’s leadership amid criticism of his decisions.
In Nevada, the governor acts as part of the Board of Pardons Commissioners, which includes the attorney general and Supreme Court justices. This board decides on matters of clemency, unlike many states where the governor holds unilateral power.
Since becoming attorney general, Ford voted for clemency for 30 convicted murderers, Fox News Digital reported. Lombardo supported some decisions but disagreed on several issues. For instance, Ford supported parole eligibility for Michael Cu, convicted of a kidnapping and murder in 1996, despite Lombardo’s opposition.
Ford’s campaign emphasizes his law enforcement background and efforts against corporate landlords, drug companies, child predators, and human traffickers. His campaign website states he has worked on ending a rape kit backlog and addressing ghost gun issues.
Despite his stance, Ford faces criticism over some of his pardon votes. In a June 2022 hearing, Ford supported parole for Shaquille Hazelwood, involved in a deadly armed robbery at age 15. Ford urged him to uphold the state’s faith in him.
Other high-profile cases included Ford’s support for Bobby Thomas, involved in a violent crime at 17, and Anthony Amati, a “thrill killer” eligible for parole after a board decision. Both cases raised public safety concerns.
Additionally, Ford backed clemency for Arlander Givens, convicted of a fatal attack, but his application was ultimately denied. Other controversial cases include murderers involved in carjacking, a basketball game incident, and a deceptive drug deal.
Amid these contentious decisions, Ford’s office and campaign did not provide comments in response to inquiries on the matter.