CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A state lawmaker is asking for a special prosecutor to investigate Gov. Matt Mead and his staff.

Republican Rep. Gerald Gay, of Casper, says he has concerns how the governor and his staff handled the investigation of state Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill.

Gay says he believes it was a political effort to smear Hill.

He asked state Attorney General Peter Michael on Friday to appoint a special prosecutor to look for gross misconduct, misappropriation of state money and improper use of state resources.

Mead's chief of staff, Kari Gray, says the request is an effort by Hill supporters to shift attention away from this week's rebuke of Hill by a legislative committee.

Mead is seeking re-election this year, and Hill is one of his opponents in the primary.

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