Missouri Governor Appoints Catherine Hanaway as Attorney General: KCUR Report

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Hanaway Named Missouri Attorney General following Bailey‘s Departure

Jefferson City, Missouri – In a swift turn of events, Catherine Hanaway has been officially named the next Attorney General of Missouri, as announced by Governor Mike Kehoe on Monday. This appointment follows the resignation of Andrew Bailey, who is leaving office to accept a position as co-deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A History of Firsts for Hanaway

hanaway, 61, will become the fourth individual to hold the Attorney General position in Missouri since 2018, continuing a trend of relatively short tenures for the state’s top legal officer. Prior to this appointment, she distinguished herself as the first and only woman to serve as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Despite previous bids for statewide office – unsuccessful runs for Secretary of State in 2004 and for Governor in 2016 – Hanaway maintained a prominent presence in Missouri’s legal and political landscape. She recently served as a partner at the Husch Blackwell law firm.

Grain Belt Express Conflict and Recusal

The appointment comes with potential complexities,given Hanaway’s current representation of Grain Belt Express in a contentious legal battle with the state. The company faces scrutiny related to its use of eminent domain in constructing a large-scale transmission line. Bailey previously spearheaded an investigation into the project.

Hanaway has stated she will recuse herself from the investigation, allowing the existing team to continue their work independently. This move aims to address concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

Attorney General	Years Served	Reason for Departure
Andrew Bailey	2+ Years	appointment to FBI
Catherine Hanaway	To end of 2028	Appointment by Governor Kehoe

Focus on Public Safety and Constitutional Rights

During her acceptance speech,Hanaway outlined her priorities as Attorney General,emphasizing a commitment to protecting Missouri citizens. She highlighted three core areas: combating violence, preventing financial fraud, and safeguarding constitutional rights. She echoed the sentiments of the late Kit Bond, stating she would focus on demonstrating the state’s caring attitude.

“Fighting crime will remain job one,” Hanaway declared, drawing on her experience as a former U.S. attorney. According to the missouri State Highway Patrol, violent crime rates have seen a 5% increase in the last year, making public safety a key concern for the state.

The Role of the Attorney General: A Deeper Look

The Attorney General serves as the chief legal officer for a state, responsible for representing the government in legal matters and ensuring the enforcement of state laws. This position is crucial for safeguarding the interests of citizens and maintaining the rule of law. The office’s responsibilities ofen extend to consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, and criminal justice.

Did You Know? Missouri’s Attorney General has the authority to issue opinions on legal questions affecting state agencies and local governments.

Pro Tip: Staying informed about your state’s Attorney General and their initiatives can empower you to understand your rights and responsibilities as a citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Missouri attorney General

• What powers does the Missouri Attorney General have? The Attorney General has broad authority to investigate and prosecute violations of state law, represent the state in legal proceedings, and issue legal opinions.
• What is the term length for the Missouri Attorney General? A full term for the Missouri Attorney General is four years.
• how does the Attorney General affect everyday Missourians? The Attorney General’s office impacts daily life thru consumer protection efforts, public safety initiatives, and defense of the state’s laws.
• What is the role of the Attorney General in cases involving eminent domain? The Attorney General can oversee and potentially challenge the use of eminent domain by private entities, ensuring it is indeed used lawfully and for public benefit.
• Will Catherine Hanaway’s prior legal work impact her role as Attorney General? She has pledged to recuse herself from the Grain Belt Express investigation to avoid conflicts of interest.

What do you think about the new appointment? Will Hanaway be able to successfully navigate the challenges facing the Attorney General’s office? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How might Hanaway’s past advocacy for limited government influence her approach to environmental regulations as Attorney General?

Hanaway’s Appointment: A Breakdown of the Recent Announcement

Missouri Governor Mike Parson appointed Catherine Hanaway as the state’s new Attorney General on August 20, 2025, following the resignation of Andrew Bailey. This appointment,reported extensively by KCUR,fills a critical role in Missouri’s legal landscape.The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. This move promptly sparked discussion regarding the future direction of the Missouri Attorney General’s office and potential impacts on ongoing legal cases.

catherine Hanaway’s Background and Legal career

Catherine Hanaway brings a wealth of experience to the Attorney General’s office. Her career highlights include:

Former Missouri State Representative: hanaway served as a state representative from 2007 to 2015, representing a district in St. Louis County.

Republican Party Leadership: She held several leadership positions within the Missouri Republican Party.

Private Practise: Prior to the appointment, Hanaway was a partner at the law firm Husch Blackwell, specializing in litigation and government affairs. her expertise includes complex commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and internal investigations.

Previous Attorney General Candidacy: Hanaway previously ran for Attorney General in 2016, losing to Josh Hawley.

This extensive background in both the public and private sectors positions her as a seasoned legal professional ready to tackle the challenges of the office.Her experience in Missouri politics is also expected to be a significant asset.

Key issues Facing the Missouri Attorney General

The new Attorney General will inherit several pressing issues, including:

1. Ongoing Litigation: Missouri is involved in numerous ongoing legal battles, including cases related to environmental regulations, consumer protection, and constitutional law. Hanaway will be responsible for overseeing thes cases and determining the state’s legal strategy.
2. Consumer Protection: Protecting Missouri consumers from fraud and deceptive practices remains a top priority.The Attorney General’s office plays a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting consumer complaints.
3. Public safety: Addressing violent crime and supporting law enforcement are key concerns for the state. The Attorney General can collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety initiatives.
4. Opioid Crisis: Missouri, like many states, continues to grapple with the opioid crisis. The Attorney General’s office is involved in efforts to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable.
5. Constitutional Challenges: Anticipate potential challenges to state laws and regulations, requiring a strong defense of Missouri’s legal framework.

KCUR’s Coverage and Initial Reactions

KCUR’s reporting on the appointment highlighted the swiftness of the decision following Bailey’s resignation. The report detailed the Governor’s rationale for selecting Hanaway, emphasizing her experience and qualifications. Initial reactions from political analysts have been mixed, with some praising Hanaway’s legal acumen and others questioning her political affiliations.

Impact on Existing Cases & legal Strategy

Hanaway’s appointment could lead to shifts in the state’s legal strategy on several fronts. Her background in private practice, notably her experience with complex litigation, suggests a potentially more aggressive approach to certain cases.Specifically,observers are watching for potential changes in:

Environmental Lawsuits: Missouri has been involved in disputes over air and water quality regulations.

antitrust Cases: The Attorney General’s office has the authority to investigate and prosecute antitrust violations.

Challenges to Federal Regulations: Missouri has frequently challenged federal regulations it deems overreaching.

Senate Confirmation Process

The Missouri Senate will now review Hanaway’s appointment. The confirmation process typically involves:

Committee hearings: Hanaway will likely appear before a Senate committee to answer questions about her qualifications and legal philosophy.

Background Checks: The Senate will conduct a thorough background check to ensure she meets the necessary requirements.

Senate Vote: A majority vote in the Senate is required to confirm her appointment.

The timeline for confirmation is uncertain, but it is indeed expected to occur within the coming weeks. The outcome of the confirmation process will significantly impact the future of the Missouri Attorney general’s office.

Hanaway’s Previous Stance on Key Legal Issues

Reviewing hanaway’s past statements and voting record provides insight into her potential approach as Attorney general. During her time as a state representative, she consistently advocated for:

Limited Government: Hanaway generally supported policies that limited the size and scope of government.

Free Market Principles: She championed free market principles and opposed regulations that she believed stifled economic growth.

Individual Rights: Hanaway consistently defended individual rights and liberties.

these principles are likely to inform her decisions as Attorney General.

Resources for Further information

KCUR: https://www.kcur.org/ (Search for “Catherine Hanaway Attorney General”)

*Missouri Attorney General’