JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Former U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway was appointed Tuesday as Missouri’s next attorney general, vowing a tough-on-crime approach as her predecessor leaves for a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Hanaway’s appointment just a day after Attorney General Andrew Bailey said he was stepping down to join President Donald Trump’s administration as the FBI’s co-deputy director. The change in Missouri’s top law enforcement job will take effect Sept. 8.

“Fighting crime is — and will remain — job one for this office,” Hanaway said.

Hanaway has deep roots in Missouri politics and extensive ties as a private practice attorney to corporate clients that will cause her to recuse from some cases as attorney general.

Hanawa

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