Advertisement California AG candidate calls for pot legalization GOP candidate Ron Gold hopes to debate Kamala Harris Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A top candidate for attorney general is calling for California to legalize pot – not just medical marijuana – but for recreational use, too.Watch report -- Commitment 2014: The race for California's AGA growing number of Americans favor marijuana legalization, and two states, Colorado and Washington, already allow pot sales, which are heavily taxed and regulated."My position is it needs to be legalized," Ron Gold told KCRA 3 in a one-on-one interview Monday.Gold, a Republican candidate, wants to tax and regulate the use of marijuana for recreational purposes."Colorado is already beginning to prove to everybody that there is a sufficient tax base," Gold said.He wants to use the millions of dollars in projected revenue from marijuana sales for drug and alcohol counseling and for education.KCRA 3 asked California’s attorney general, Kamala Harris, if she agreed with Gold’s stance."He’s entitled to his opinion," Harris said.When asked to elaborate, Harris’s campaign spokesman said, "She believes that this is an evolving issue that requires that we monitor what is happening in Colorado and other states, and that ultimately, this should be up to a vote of the people,” Brian Brokaw said.California's death penalty, which was recently declared unconstitutional, is another key issue in the campaign.When asked whether she supports that decision, or whether she would appeal it, Harris said, "I have many clients in that matter, so I cannot talk with you about what we’re doing in terms of the case. But my personal opinion on the death penalty has not changed. I’m personally not in favor of the death penalty, but I will follow the law as we’ve been doing.”Gold said he wants California to appeal the death penalty decision.He supports capital punishment in specific cases."I would limit the death penalty to cop killers, rapists and kidnappers who kill their prey," Gold said.Public education came up, as well.The courts have ruled that California’s teacher tenure law is unconstitutional, but should that be appealed?"I support the judge’s ruling,” Gold said. "And if Ms. Harris is beholden to the unions who support her and finance her, so be it. But Ron Gold stands for the kids."Harris’s stance on teacher tenure is not entirely clear."I have a client in that case," she said. "Many clients in that case actually -- and our clients will be making a decision about next steps. And ask their attorney and we will listen to that and then make decisions accordingly."Harris is a popular incumbent. Gold is way behind her in fundraising, and party registration favors Democrats in every statewide race.Gold said he hopes to debate Harris, but so far, nothing is scheduled.