Democrat Pam Bucy announces for attorney general

HELENA (AP) — A second Democrat is entering the attorney general's race, even though incumbent Steve Bullock has said he won't announce his 2012 election plans until after Labor Day.

Attorney Pam Bucy of Helena announced Thursday she was seeking the office of attorney general. She has been a criminal prosecutor in Lewis and Clark County and served for seven years as executive assistant attorney general under Mike McGrath, who is now chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court.

Bucy says if Bullock does run for governor, Montana needs a strong candidate who has the experience necessary to win the election and serve the state with honor.

Former assistant attorney general Jesse Laslovich announced his candidacy last week.

Republican state legislator Jim Shockley of Victor is also seeking the office.