Republican Josh Hawley says he would create a public corruption unit if he is elected Missouri attorney general.
Hawley told The Associated Press the new unit would help make fighting corruption among public officials a top priority.
The proposal is part of an ethics plan Hawley says he wants to implement if he wins the election. Hawley is an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Law and an attorney.
Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster is running for governor, leaving the seat open. Hawley faces a GOP primary against state Sen. Kurt Schaefer, of Columbia.
Hawley also says he wouldn't accept gifts from lobbyists or contributions from entities that the attorney general's office is investigating.
The primary is Aug. 2. The general election is Nov. 8.
