State Rep. Mike Foote, a prosecutor himself, is providing a notable early endorsement for Colorado attorney general candidate Michael Dougherty.

Foote is a well-regarded Democrat, a universally well-respected legislator and a deputy to Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett. There was an avalanche of high-level talk in the springtime about Foote’s viability as a candidate for AG. He played it down whenever Colorado Politics asked about it. Political ascendancy is still in Foote’s future, however.

“Michael Dougherty is a shining example of a leader within our criminal justice community and he will make an excellent Attorney General,” Foote said. “It is my pleasure to endorse him for the primary and general election.

“In addition to serving as a State Representative, I work as a prosecutor on behalf of the people of Boulder County and the state of Colorado. What I have learned from being a prosecutor helps guide me to be a more thoughtful and effective public servant. Our next attorney general likewise must be a champion for environmental protection and criminal justice reform. Michael Dougherty is the absolute right person for the job. I look forward to working alongside Michael when he is our next AG.”

Dougherty was grateful and equally complimentary.

“It is an honor to have the support of elected leaders in our state. Mike Foote is one of our great state representatives,” he stated. “Mike is an important leader for the Boulder community. I appreciate his fighting on behalf of our environment. I look forward to working with him during this campaign and as attorney general – to advocate for stronger environmental protections, criminal justice reform, and common-sense solutions to some of our most challenging issues in Colorado.”

Dougherty faces a crowded field on the Democratic side, and possibly on the Republican side in the general election, if incumbent AG Cynthia Coffman jumps into a crowded GOP primary for governor.

So far, the well-known Democratic adversaries include state Rep. Joe Salazar, former University of Colorado law school dean Phil Weiser, Denver attorney Brad Levin and federal prosecutor Amy Padden.