Attorney general debate: Steve Cooley, Kamala Harris oppose marijuana legalization

Steve Cooley said he was opposed to a measure to legalize marijuana in California.

The Republican candidate for California attorney general made his statement during Tuesday's debate  just moments after saying he would not take a position on another ballot measure, Proposition 23, because an attorney general must be in a position to defend any law passed by California voters.

Cooley said he believes Propsition 19, the marijuana initiative is "preempted by federal law. My instincts are it is unconstitutional," he said. "It's a public safety issue, a public health issue. I am really strongly opposed to Proposition 19," he said.

Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, also is opposed to the measure.

Live coverage of the entire debate is available here.

-- Anthony York in Davis, Calif.

Photo: Guillermo Arias / Associated Press