The Politicization of the Attorney General’s Office: A Case Study in Missouri
the role of a state Attorney General is traditionally focused on upholding the law and protecting citizens.Tho, a growing trend across the U.S.reveals a shift towards using these powerful offices for overt political maneuvering. This is particularly evident in Missouri, where former Attorney General Andrew Bailey‘s tenure exemplified a new era of culture war battles and alignment with national political figures.
This article examines how Bailey transformed the Missouri Attorney General’s office into a platform for political ambition, the implications for the rule of law, and what the future might hold under his successor, Catherine Hanaway.
A Rising Tide of Politicized legal Action
It’s not a new phenomenon for Attorneys General to engage in politically charged cases. Democratic AGs have a history of challenging federal policies they oppose. Such as, california Attorney General Rob Bonta has consistently filed lawsuits against the Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to environmental regulations. Critics, though, labeled these actions as “politically motivated resistance,” despite Bonta’s claims of legal basis.
But what’s happening in Missouri, and increasingly in other states, represents a different dynamic – a intentional strategy to leverage the office for primary election success and national recognition.
Missouri’s Shift to the Right & the New AG Landscape
Political science experts note a significant shift in Missouri’s political landscape. Drury University’s Dan Ponder explains that the real contest for statewide office now occurs within the Republican primary,rather than the general election. This has created an environment where appealing to the base through highly visible,politically charged actions is a winning strategy.
Bailey’s actions perfectly illustrate this trend. He actively opposed critical race theory and initiated reviews of public school textbooks – actions considered “unheard of” just two decades ago. This approach allowed him to solidify support within the GOP base,knowing that taking a strong stance on these issues wouldn’t jeopardize his chances in the general election.
Bailey’s Focus: Primaries & Aligning with Trump
From his appointment in January 2023, Bailey’s primary audience appeared to be two-fold, according to University of Missouri political science professor Peverill Squire. First, he needed to defeat a rival candidate, Will scharf, who already had ties to donald Trump. Once he secured the nomination, squire believes Bailey’s focus shifted entirely to aligning himself with Trump.
This strategy proved successful. Bailey garnered nearly as many votes as Trump himself in the 2024 general election - exceeding the vote totals of other prominent Republicans like Josh Hawley and the state’s Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, and Secretary of State. This demonstrated clear voter support for his approach.
Key Actions During Bailey’s Tenure
Bailey’s time as Attorney General was marked by several high-profile, politically driven initiatives:
* FBI Investigations: He aggressively investigated the FBI, filing open records requests and publicly criticizing the agency.
* Culture War Issues: He actively engaged in debates surrounding gender-affirming care for minors,challenging policies and regulations.
* School Textbook Reviews: He initiated reviews of public school textbooks, focusing on potential biases or inappropriate content.
* Legal Challenges: He pursued legal challenges against federal policies he deemed overreaching.
A Change in Direction? Hanaway Takes the Reins
With Bailey’s election to a different office, Catherine Hanaway, a former Missouri House Speaker and U.S. attorney, has stepped into the role of Attorney General. Hanaway has signaled a potential shift in priorities. She’s expressed greater interest in areas like Medicaid fraud, consumer protection, and violent crimes.
In an interview with the Missouri Self-reliant, Hanaway indicated a different approach to running the office. However, her office has declined further interviews, leaving the extent of this shift uncertain.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
the case of Andrew Bailey highlights a concerning trend: the increasing politicization of the Attorney General’s office. While political considerations have always played a role, the overt focus on primary elections and national figures raises questions about the independence and impartiality of the legal process.
You, as a citizen, should be aware of this trend and consider its implications for the rule of law. A politicized Attorney General’s office risks eroding public trust in
