The state attorney general in each of the 50 U.S. states and territories is the chief legal advisor to the state government and the state's chief law enforcement officer. In some states, the attorney general serves as the head of a state department of justice, with responsibilities similar to those of the United States Department of Justice.
The current party composition of the state Attorneys General are:
- 26 Democrats
- 24 Republicans
The composition for territories and districts are:
- 3 Democrats
- 1 Republican
- 1 Nonpartisan
- 1 New Progressive
Attorneys general are popularly elected in 43 states and in Guam. In Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wyoming, as well as in the other territories, the attorney general is appointed by the governor, while the mayor makes the appointment in the District of Columbia. The attorneys general of Maine and of Tennessee are elected by the Maine Legislature and by the Tennessee Supreme Court respectively.
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Famous quotes containing the words state, attorney and/or general:
“If Los Angeles has been called the capital of crackpots and the metropolis of isms, the native Angeleno can not fairly attribute all of the citys idiosyncrasies to the newcomerat least not so long as he consults the crystal ball for guidance in his business dealings and his wife goes shopping downtown in beach pajamas.”
—For the State of California, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
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—Truman Capote (19241984)
“At Hayes General Store, west of the cemetery, hangs an old army rifle, used by a discouraged Civil War veteran to end his earthly troubles. The grocer took the rifle as payment on account.”
—Administration for the State of Con, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)