Pictured, from left, are Ashley Moody, Jeffrey Marc Siskind, Sean Shaw and Frank White, four of the five candidates for Florida attorney general.

The latest installment of the Daily Business Review's coverage of Florida candidates in the August primary elections features Q&As with the attorney general candidates, as Attorney General Pam Bondi reaches her term limit.

Former judge and federal prosecutor Ashley Moody, lawyer and businessman Jeffrey Marc Siskind, state Reps. Sean Shaw and Frank White, and consumer protection attorney Ryan Torrens are all in the running.

Torrens did not respond to requests for comment before deadline, but here's what the other candidates had to say about what qualifies them for the top law job. Responses have been edited for style and content.

Ashley Moody

Moody was born and raised in Plant City. She earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in accounting, and a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Florida, and later obtained a Master's in international law at Stetson University College of Law. Moody began her legal career with Holland & Knight, where she practiced commercial litigation and was named one of Tampa Bay's “40 Under 40” distinguished lawyers for her professional and civic contributions. Moody joined the U.S. Attorney's Office, prosecuting drug, firearm and fraud offenses. As a federal prosecutor, she was commended by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for prosecutorial excellence and initiative in drug law enforcement.

At 31, Moody became the youngest judge in Florida when she rose to the circuit bench in Hillsborough in 2006, and served for more than a decade. Moody founded an attorney ad litem program, recruiting volunteer lawyers to stand in the place of parents who did not appear in court with their children, and developed a mentoring program for at-risk children within the juvenile delinquency system. Moody also served as an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law during her time on the bench. In 2015, she received the Florida Supreme Court's Distinguished Judicial Service Award for her contributions to pro bono legal service. Moody lives with her husband and federal law enforcement agent, Justin, in Tampa, with their two sons, Brandon and Connor.

Why do you want to be attorney general?

Moody: Florida faces serious challenges that dramatically affect our criminal justice system, including the opioid epidemic, human trafficking, increasing elder abuse as our population ages, weaknesses in identifying and protecting our children from those seeking to do them harm, and escalating attacks on law enforcement. As a former prosecutor, judge and wife of a federal law enforcement officer, I saw those challenges play out every day. I want to use that experience to be more proactive, to combat and lead on these issues as Florida's “top cop.” Serious issues demand someone who has the necessary experience to be effective on day one, not someone who has to learn the job on the job, and that is why I want to be Florida's next attorney general.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Moody: The attorney general will be responsible for legal opinions, appeals, civil litigation, consumer protection and statewide prosecution. I am the only candidate in this race who has the experience necessary to be an effective and successful attorney general. I started my legal career at Holland & Knight as a business defense litigation attorney, served as a federal prosecutor in Jacksonville and Tampa, and then presided as a circuit court judge, both as a trial judge and an appellate judge over the county court.

Prior to running for this position, I taught a class on the role of attorney general as part of a criminal procedure course at Stetson University College of Law. I have led and founded legal organizations dedicated to professionalism, due process and ethics in the justice system. I have been recognized by law enforcement for my investigation leadership and prosecutorial excellence. If given the great honor to serve as attorney general, I will use this experience to fight for a stronger, safer Florida.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Moody: While I am extremely proud of my work and recognitions as a prosecutor and judge, my biggest accomplishment has been my job as a mother—the hardest and most rewarding role of my life.

What would a successful term look like for you?

Moody: I am a unique candidate for the office of attorney general because of my extensive background and understanding of the justice system, and my previous work with federal and state law enforcement. In order to make headway on Florida's toughest issues, we need a prosecutor at the helm, not a politician. At the end of my first term, we will show measurable progress on our attack on the opioid epidemic, human trafficking, elder abuse, fraud and identity theft. Taxpayers deserve accountability for the resources they entrust to leaders, and I will show return on their trust and investment in me as Florida's next attorney general.

What is the most important issue facing the attorney general's office right now?

Moody: Florida's judicial system, and those who work to ensure our laws are faithfully and blindly applied, must remain above political fray. Trust in those that lead law enforcement and our prosecutors is of paramount importance to the strength and stability of our brilliant system of government. As Florida's “top cop,” the next attorney general must be a strong supporter of the men and women within law enforcement that volunteer for these dangerous positions. I will be a partner that pushes for training and resources that will keep them safe as they protect us. I will advocate for legislation that helps them do their jobs. I will also act to bridge gaps in perception of fairness within our system, as I have throughout my career. Our resilience and strength as a state and nation rests on strict adherence to the rule of law, protection of the rights afforded under our Constitution, and assurance to our citizens that those who take oaths to ensure justice remain accountable.

Jeffrey Marc Siskind

Siskind obtained his bachelor's and naster's degrees from Harvard University, where he also served on the alumni board of directors, and his law degree from Southwestern University School of Law. Siskind opened his own firm in 1997 and is licensed to practice in Florida, Maryland, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as a variety of federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Siskind has also served as acting chair of the Justice William O. Douglas Inn of Court and participated in a 2015 Jewish National Fund “law and justice mission” to Israel. Siskind has three teenage children with his wife of 28 years.

Why do you want to be attorney general?

Siskind: Florida needs a nonpartisan as its attorney general. The rancor which characterizes our nation's politics has no place in our state's highest law enforcement office. Instead, Florida's attorney general needs to focus on the welfare and safety of all Floridians, both red and blue, and work to streamline the use of our state's resources so that government better serves all constituents.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Siskind: I have practiced law for more than 20 years, after being in business for more than 20 years. The other candidates lack that practical experience, as do most lawyers, which is absolutely necessary to fully understand what most Floridians have to tackle each day, and how the attorney general's office can focus its efforts to better serve our citizens.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Siskind: My biggest achievement is being able to raise our three incredible children who understand the need for strength and compassion — the ingredients which my father, a former Maryland assistant state attorney, told me are what balanced the scales of justice in his office, when I asked him as a child just what the scale was used for. Just behind that are the two citations which I received from the governor of Massachusetts and Massachusetts state Senate for my work in student government while at Harvard, which I understand is the only time that such awards were presented.

What would a successful term look like for you?

Siskind: A successful term would encompass taking assault-style weapons off our streets under Florida's new “gun compact,” establishing commissions on “public trust” entities, furthering protections for human rights and dramatically increasing funding for the judiciary and public servants (including law enforcement, firefighters, teachers and municipal employees) by increasing financial penalties for repeat DUI and other offenders. It would also encompass forging a closer relationship with the judiciary and Legislature, by creating liaison positions within the office as a means to streamline ways in which the office works to ensure that legislation and judicial functions are both constitutional and efficient.

What is the most important issue facing the attorney general's office right now?

Siskind: Gun control is the most important issue facing the office of the attorney general right now, followed closely by human rights issues. My proposed “gun compact” offers a solution which observes Second Amendment rights afforded to individuals while recognizing society's need to take dangerous weapons off the streets. Human rights issues are subtle but pervasive, because affected populations are also usually most vulnerable and least able to gain influence, but it is our recognition of common values which presses our civil society into acting on behalf of all Floridians, with strength and compassion.

Sean Shaw

State Rep. Shaw was raised in North Florida and was taught the importance of public service from a young age by his father, Leander Shaw, the first African-American chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Shaw attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law and clerked for a U.S. district judge, focusing on constitutional law and the protection of civil rights. After graduating, Shaw worked in private practice representing workers, families and small businesses during some of their most trying times.

As Florida's insurance consumer advocate, Shaw was an insurance industry watchdog protecting consumers against abuses from insurers. He led the process of negotiating lower rates for homeowners, pushed for faster response times from insurers after emergencies, and ensured rates were fair and justified. He represents State House District 61 in Tampa, where he has fought for more funding for public education, for criminal justice reforms and for commonsense gun safety legislation to make communities safer.

Why do you want to be attorney general?

Shaw: Ever since I was child, I have believed this is the best job in Florida. Nowhere else do you have the opportunity to directly affect the lives of our fellow citizens in the way the attorney general does. It is time to return that focus to the people of our state, not the powerful. I believe my background as insurance consumer advocate, work fighting for Floridians in private practice, and time as a member of the Florida House gives me the unique skill set and experience to be the next attorney general.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

Shaw: I have a unique background in protecting consumers, both in private practice and in public service, that directly applies to the job of attorney general. As a private attorney, I have helped Floridians fight back against their insurance companies when those companies refuse to pay valid claims, helped those affected by defective Chinese drywall get the settlements they deserve, and worked to help those affected by the BP oil spill. Under former CFO Alex Sink, I served as insurance consumer advocate for the state where I led the process of negotiating lower rates for homeowners, pushed for faster response times from insurers after emergencies, and was a champion for rates that were fair and justified. As state representative, I've pushed for smart criminal justice reform, sponsored legislation to end discrimination against the LGBT community, and fought for commonsense gun safety laws. As attorney general, my main job will be protecting Floridians from those seeking to do them harm. I am the only candidate in the race with the professional and public sector experience to step into the job on day one.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

Shaw: Serving the people of Florida and the citizens in public office has been my greatest achievement. I learned from my father at a young age the importance of public service. Serving the public has truly been the highlight of my professional career.

What would a successful term look like for you?

Shaw: A successful term would encompass continuing to stand up for the rights of every Floridian. It would include holding corporate rule breakers and scammers accountable, and at its foundation, would be based around fighting for the most vulnerable amongst us. Unlike the current attorney general, my administration will be proactive and aggressive on day one.

What is the most important issue facing the attorney general's office right now?

Shaw: I believe the most significant issues in Florida are holding the pharmaceutical industry accountable for its role in the worsening of the opioid crisis, demanding commonsense gun safety reforms to keep our communities safe, and acting as a check on the Florida Legislature when they pass unconstitutional laws or fail to implement amendments approved by the people.

Frank White

White is chief financial officer and general counsel for the Sansing Dealer Group, a car dealership with more than 650 employees and stores across Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. White graduated from Southern Methodist University School of Law in Texas and was the president of the Federalist Society chapter. White has practiced law in Texas and Florida for over 15 years. Prior to entering public service, he worked at top national law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.

Gov. Rick Scott appointed White to the Florida Development Finance Corp. board of directors, where he serves as chair. As a Florida legislator, White fought to ban “sanctuary cities,” strengthen gun owner rights and passed a law providing people injured by acts of terrorism the right to damages. White also serves as a deacon in the First Baptist Church and teaches Sunday School with his wife. He's also a board member for Baptist Hospital and Pensacola MESS Hall Children's Science Museum.

Why do you want to be attorney general?

White: My wife Stephanie and I are raising our three boys in Florida because we know all that our great state has to offer. But I'm concerned it won't stay that way unless we defend it from attacks on our shared values from those on the left who want to change what has made our state so great. That's why I'm running for attorney general. I'm in public service to make a difference, and the attorney general is an immensely important position. I believe the office would best be served by a proven conservative who understands what it takes to manage a large organization.

What about your experience qualifies you for the position?

White: Our next attorney general needs to be a proven conservative who can defend the attacks on our constitution. I voted against the gun control bill. I voted to strengthen Stand Your Ground. I stood with the president and voted to ban sanctuary cities. I've cut taxes. I've been a lawyer in private practice and spent the last eight years as general counsel to a large group of private businesses. My experience as part of an executive team managing a large business operation will be critical to be an effective, reform-minded attorney general, managing an operation of 1,300 employees and 400 attorneys.

What's your biggest achievement so far?

White: My boys, Henry, Clayton and Wesley. Everything I do in life, as a father, a husband and a child of God, I do to set the example for my children. There is nothing I can do in this life that will leave a greater mark on the world then to teach them to work hard, treat others with kindness and that with Jesus Christ, anything is possible. 

What would a successful term look like for you?

White: With the constitution under constant attack, our freedoms and values must be defended at all costs. I will be a strong leader who will stand up for what our Founding Fathers wrote 230 years ago. I pledge to always fight to uphold the original intent of the Constitution by making sure every branch of government follows it. No exceptions. No special privileges. I'll stand against government overreach and protect families and seniors from fraud. And just as I have in the Legislature, I will continue to fight for our Second Amendment rights, protect the sanctity of life, and do everything in my power to secure our border and end sanctuary cities to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

I'll also protect our families and seniors from con artists and fraudsters. Florida is the No. 1 state in the country for consumer fraud, and that is unacceptable. As attorney general, the bad guys will know that if you want to commit a crime or take advantage of someone in Florida, we don't want you here!

What is the most important issue facing the attorney general's office right now?

White: As attorney general I will work to, one, ensure the rule of law is consistently applied and followed, two, ensure that Florida's consumers are protected from those who seek to scam and defraud them, and three, to ensure that taxpayers are protected through fiscal restraint.