The AG is also being criticised because lawyers from the firms have contributed at least US$359,000 to him since 2010, according to an analysis by The Columbus Dispatch. He is asking the Controlling Board to set aside rules on competitive bidding so that he can enter into special contracts with the law practices. Mr DeWine, a Republican, is running again for office. His Democrat opponent David Pepper has proposed a range of protections over law firm appointments - including ‘blackout’ periods regarding contributions, objective selection standards and a review of contracts by an external panel. Source: The Columbus Dispatch.