In recent years, citizens have come to depend on having an aggressive attorney general who fights special interests and stands up for the common person.

New York's next attorney general must not stray from that role. Both candidates promise not to, but Democrat Eric Schneiderman's comprehensive plans and record of achievements make him the pick by the Democrat and Chronicle in the Nov. 2 general election...

Throughout his career, Schneiderman has shown a passion for seeking justice and helping those in need. After graduating from law school, he worked as a public interest lawyer, doing work such as helping tenants evict drug dealers. He brought that same spirit to the state Senate for the past 12 years. He wrote legislation that ended the overly punitive Rockefeller drug laws, and he worked to get Ian's Law passed — it prohibits insurance companies from dropping sick clients.

Schneiderman is known for being highly ethical. He was one of a few state senators who opposed legislation that led to the failed Aqueduct bidding process because it waived too many lobbying rules. The state's inspector general issued a report last week alleging gross misconduct among Senate leaders. To Schneiderman's credit, he is giving back about $76,000 in campaign contributions from leaders, and he's proposing specific reforms to strengthen oversight of funding decisions.