Attorney General

By Chris Dunn and Juana Summers

Democrat Jay Nixon has held the office of Missouri attorney general for a record 16 years, but his bid for governor created an opening for which two state Senate colleagues are competing.

Republican Michael Gibbons and Democrat Chris Koster are the nominees.

The attorney general is the state's chief legal officer. When legally challenged, he defends the constitutionality of state statutes and the actions of state officials. He or she also can bring lawsuits or defend the state in lawsuits involving the state's interests, rights and claims. The attorney general represents the state in every felony criminal case appeal and death sentence reviews by the state Supreme Court. He or she initiates legal action to remove some government officials from elective office. The attorney general has authority to seek the ouster from various offices any public official holding any office illegally, except for those covered by state impeachment provisions. The attorney general operates consumer protection services and enforces Missouri's Consumer Protection Act and anti-trust laws. He or she also serves as the state's chief prosecutor for securities fraud. Attorneys general serve four-year terms. The salary is $113,046.