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Graves, Hunter, Ashcroft, Danforth to join Schmitt’s transition team

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo — Missouri’s soon-to-be attorney general has pulled several familiar faces to help guide the transition to new leadership of the state’s top law enforcement office.

On Thursday, Eric Schmitt, who is currently serving the state as state treasurer, announced that Todd Graves, Jerry Hunter, John Ashcroft, and John Danforth will all be apart of his transition team.

The transition team will consist of Graves and Hunter as chairmen, Ashcroft and Danforth as honorary co-chairs, and a multitude of state law enforcement, attorneys, and businessperson as advisers.

“Incoming Attorney General Schmitt has established a well-qualified team with strong experience within the legal and law enforcement community to ensure a successful transition,” said Hunter. ”I am honored to assist with this effort.”

Schmitt was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson to fill the vacancy that will arise when current-Attorney General Josh Hawley resigns his post to serve in the U.S. Senate in January.

“As the state’s next Attorney General, I look forward to serving as the lawyer for all six million Missourians,” said Schmitt. “I am grateful to the exceptional group of leaders who are assisting with this transition and are committed to protecting Missouri’s families.”

A press release noted that the transition team will focus on reviewing the Attorney General’s Office and gathering information relevant to Schmitt’s top priorities as Attorney General.

Chairs

Todd Graves is a partner with the law firm of Graves Garrett. Before forming Graves Garrett, Graves served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. Graves was appointed United States Attorney from his position as Platte County Prosecuting Attorney. Graves has served as the Missouri Republican Party chairman for the past two years. His term ends this year.

Jerry Hunter is a partner with the law firm of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Hunter previously was general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C., and served as the director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Honorary Co-Chairs

John Ashcroft, former United States Attorney General and former Missouri Attorney General

John Danforth, former United States Senator, and former Missouri Attorney General

Advisors

Amy Boxx, the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney

Ben Butler, the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney

Bill Corrigan, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP

Blake Hurst, Missouri Farm Bureau President

Daniel Isom, Executive Director of the Regional Justice Information Service Commission and former Chief of Police for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

Tim Lohmar, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney

Brian Munzlinger, Farmer and former Chair of the Missouri Senate Agriculture Committee

Kathy Osborn, Regional Business Council Executive Director

Joe Patterson, St. Louis County Police Detective and President of St. Louis County Police Association

Rev. B.T. Rice, Pastor of New Horizon Christian Church

Mark Woolbright, 2nd District International Association of Firefighters Vice-President

Danny Whiteley, City of Poplar Bluff Police Chief