The homestretch to the June 28 Democratic primary for Denver’s next district attorney is here, as Rep. Beth McCann released a attention-grabbing TV ad Thursday called “Laurie’s Story.”
“When I was a child, there was a pedophile on the loose in the city of Denver,” said Laurie, whose last name was not given, in the 30-second spot. “And I’m one of the people who survived his attacks.”
McCann prosecuted James Henry Ginn, called and the “Lost Dog Rapist” for assaults across five states, including a 12-year-old girl in Denver in 1979 and an 8-year-old girl in 1981. McCann got Ginn a sentence of 83.5 years in 1983, and he remains incarcerated at 76 years old, records show.
“The cases were challenging on many levels — the witnesses were young, parents were stunned, the situations were uncomfortable to describe and the emotional toll on those involved was monumental,” McCann said.
“I will never forget the victim of his final attack who was 8 at the time. I was blown away by the courage she displayed when she came to court and testified in the preliminary hearing. She was so small, she could hardly see over the top of the witness box.”
McCann, who has served in the state legislature since 2009, has two opponents in the June 28 Democratic primary in the race to succeed Mitch Morrissey, who is term-limited. She faces and Senior Deputy District Attorney . The winner will run against Chief Deputy District Attorney an independent candidate, in November.
Carrigan released a 30-second called earlier in the week.
Morgan has the largest war chest remaining for the final push, $226,587, according to campaign finance records filed Tuesday. Carrigan has $200,415 and McCann has $154,966. Boyd has $35,053 remaining, according to the campaign disclosures.
Morgan has loaned her campaign $273,000, while Carrigan has loaned his $200,000, Reports for Boyd and McCann show no loans.
“One thing hasn’t changed since I was a chief deputy DA: women are more likely to be victims of sexual assault and domestic violence,” McCann said. “This is a serious problem that we need to address. As your next district attorney I will make sure that perpetrators of these crimes are fully prosecuted and pay for their horrendous actions. The goal is to make Denver and Denver’s children safe.”
