by Ken Newton

State Rep. Margaret Donnelly's background in social work and family law draws her to the protection of society's most vulnerable, she said in a visit to St. Joseph Wednesday.

Ms. Donnelly, a Democrat from St. Louis, hopes to take her experience to the state attorney general's office.

"Violence against women and children will always be a priority," she said.

One of three announced Democrats looking to succeed Attorney General Jay Nixon, she came to Buchanan County to listen to concerns of local law enforcers. As the state's top lawyer, Ms. Donnelly said she would form a partnership with county prosecutors and sheriffs to enhance law enforcement.

As attorney general, she pledged to crack down on sexual predators who use the Internet to meet their prey. Along with this, Ms. Donnelly calls for formation of a fugitive unit to locate convicted child sex offenders who have violated their paroles.

The St. Louis Democrat also wants greater protection for families against unsafe products. Her bill, the Missouri Children's Product Safety Act, requires manufacturers and retailers to remove unsafe children's products from store shelves within three days. It would put Missouri among seven states mandating recalls of unsafe products.

She also wants increased penalties against those committing financial fraud against the elderly and disabled, as well as tightened regulations on companies that conduct mortgage lending.

Ms. Donnelly, who serves on the House committee on health and mental health appropriations, said she is familiar with St. Joseph but admits a challenge in gaining name recognition throughout the state.

"The way you get your name out, you just keep working," she said.

Her announced Democratic opponents are state Sen. Chris Koster and state Rep. Jeff Harris.

"Whether I have one opponent or five, I'll run my campaign the same way," Ms. Donnelly said.