AUGUSTA – In about three weeks, Maine lawmakers will cast votes for the state’s new attorney general.

Democrats John Brautigam of Falmouth, Sean Faircloth of Bangor and Janet Mills of Farmington, all current or former legislators, have been lobbying their colleagues for support for the job of Maine’s top lawyer.

Maine is the only state in the country where the Legislature elects the attorney general.

Brautigam, Faircloth and Mills participated in a forum Wednesday afternoon in Augusta, hosted by the AARP and League of Women Voters of Maine, to answer questions posed to them by lawmakers.

The candidates touted their experience as lawyers, cited their long resumes and highlighted significant cases they had worked on.

Brautigam said he would not bring a specific agenda to the office, but would work hard on behalf of consumer protection. Faircloth said his strength would be in management and listening to the staff and opinions of the lawyers working beneath him. Mills, who if elected would be Maine’s first female attorney general, said her priorities would be public safety and consumer protection.

All said they were up to the challenge of managing what amounts to Maine’s largest law firm.

But what matters to their peers?

Rep. Dick Wagner, D-Lewiston, said he is backing Faircloth because he’s worked hard for the Democratic Party and because he has worked on behalf of protecting children.

“All three of them have great assets and only minor liabilities,” Wagner said. “But I think (Faircloth) is a person that likes other people and it’s critical the people who work for the attorney general are happy and they enjoy and respect who they are working for.”

Democrat Peggy Rotundo of Lewiston, outgoing state senator of Androscoggin County but incoming state representative for District 74, said she is looking for a candidate with integrity and fairness, along with legal and managerial experience.

No Republican is seeking the post because traditionally votes by the Legislature tend to be ruled by the majority party, which in this case, is the Democrats.

But Rep. Sawin Millet, R-Waterford, said because there are three candidates running, the Republicans may have more of a say than usual in the outcome.

“We, as a minority party, will have a voice and I think that is recognized by all three candidates,” he said. “It is an important decision, you cannot underestimate the importance of matters that pass through the Attorney General’s Office.”

Millet said he supports Mills for the job.

“The person should have proven competence in the legal field and be a good communicator, not just a partisan attorney,” Millett said. “I am looking for someone who is more inclined to interpret the law than create law. I am endorsing Janet Mills, she meets the qualities that I feel are most important.”