Thread by @Taniel

The policy stakes of DA elections are always so obscure. This year, I got to work with @SamMellins & @akashvmehta on putting out a series on how the Manhattan DA race could change the city — what candidates are saying EXACTLY & why it matters.

It's been a great ride. A thread:

1️⃣ Turns out the Manhattan DA's office has a ton of discretion on the power & resources of a citywide office that's fueled the war on drugs, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor.

A great opportunity to look at how local institutions work, & space for change.

theappeal.org/politicalrepor…

On the Special Narcotics Prosecutor's office, the candidates were very split on what should be done: especially when it comes to the power-move the DA's office could pull: withdraw staff it lends.

theappeal.org/politicalrepor…

2️⃣ We've seen prosecutors leave tough-on-crime DA associations now in California and Pennsylvania. None yet in New York. Will the next Manhattan DA?

here's why it matters: theappeal.org/politicalrepor…

and what candidates said:

3️⃣ Activists in NY have been working to decriminalize sex work. And there's a striking amount of consensus in the DA race around supporting that, testifying to broad momentum for this effort.

why it all matters: theappeal.org/politicalrepor…

But differences emerged, here as well:

4️⃣ Reform candidates have been looking at the huge share of people serving life sentences. (See the latest from New Orleans! theappeal.org/politicalrepor…)

How will that play up in Manhattan? Some candidates drew some new lines: theappeal.org/politicalrepor….

It's striking to see candidates for DA say they'd never seek LWOP sentences, for instance, or that they'd never jump in to oppose an parole application (which is different than actually supporting it).

5️⃣ Evverywhere, prosecutors routinely keep using the testimony of police officers who're caught lying, or even framing defendants. There's finally more attention to this—and demands for DA candidates to sideline such officers, & go further in oversight. theappeal.org/politicalrepor…

Here again, plenty of policy divides between the DA candidates -- their powers are so crucial.

One issue that's very important is how DA candidates would go back and address *other cases* when misconduct in one case emerges. theappeal.org/politicalrepor…