Gail Schoettler, a former lieutenant governor and Colorado state treasurer, endorsed Democratic attorney general candidate Phil Weiser on Wednesday, saying the former University of Colorado Law School dean has the right experience and background for trying times.

“Phil Weiser has the experience and the values to be a great attorney general for every citizen of Colorado,” Schoettler said in a statement. “He was a law clerk for Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He’s the son of a Holocaust survivor. He believes every Coloradan has the right to equal opportunity under the law – and will fight to make sure that happens. In this time when our values are being challenged, we need Phil Weiser as our top lawyer. He’ll make us proud to live in Colorado and will protect our Colorado way of life.”

Weiser is one of five Democrats running for the office held by Republican Cynthia Coffman, who is running for governor. The others in the primary are state Rep. Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, prosecutor Michael Dougherty, former federal prosecutor Amy Padden and Denver attorney Brad Levin. George Brauchler, the 18th Judicial district attorney, is the only Republican running for the office.

Calling Schoettler “a model leader and a true inspiration of the spirit of Colorado,” Weiser said he was proud to have her backing. “She has mentored the next generation of Colorado leaders and provides a successful model of innovative leadership.”