Republican attorney general candidate Shane McCormack is calling for tougher campaign finance rules for those holding the office. McCormack’s proposal would ban current service providers from contributing to a sitting attorney general and would prevent a donor from becoming a contractor after a successful campaign.

During a debate on Vermont Public Radio, McCormack revealed current attorney general Bill Sorrell accepted $8,000 from Dallas-based Baron & Budd, a law firm later hired as counsel. Sorrell defended the contribution by stating it was properly disclosed and the law firm was hired due to its expertise in the area being litigated.

Baron & Budd was hired following a recommendation from the Agency of Natural Resources to litigate a contaminated groundwater case against the fuel industry. Sorrell claims the agency was unaware of the contribution prior to making the recommendation.