Cuccinelli wants more sway over consumer issues as AG

Republican Ken Cuccinelli Thursday said he would roll the consumer protection functions of state government into the Attorney General's Office if he is elected Virginia's top prosecutor.

At present, several state agencies inefficiently share those responsibilities, according to the state Senator from Fairfax County.

Cuccinelli believes that consolidating jurisdiction over food safety, fair business practices, utility, financial and legal issues under the attorney general's purview will benefit consumers.

"Under my plan, when complaints are made, investigations will be conducted in coordination with the legal staff that will actually be representing the consumers or businesses in court," Cuccinelli said in a statement.

"Consumers and businesses will also have one-stop service when it comes to questions, complaints or the sharing of information about potential scams and other violations," he added. "Virginians will know that the Virginia Attorney General is looking out for their interests." 

Democrat Steve Shannon, a state Delegate from Fairfax running for attorney general, responded with a statement accusing Cuccinelli of voting against legislation to place an interest rate cap on payday loans he called "predatory."

"I believe protecting Virginia’s consumers means putting them ahead of a personal political agenda," Shannon said.

-- Julian Walker

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