Seeing a political opening, Senate Republicans are planning a highly unusual legislative hearing on whether Attorney General Christine Gregoire's office tried to get an outside consultant to soften criticism of the AG's office.

Gregoire, a Democrat, happens to be running for governor.

A Seattle Times story Sunday reported that Gregoire's staffers apparently tried to influence findings in a review after state attorneys missed a deadline to appeal a multi-million dollar judgement against the state. Gregoire denied any wrongdoing.

On Thursday, Sen. Bob McCaslin, chair of the Judiciary Committee, said he'll hold a hearing on the matter.

"When it comes down to it, the AG herself needs to say `the buck stops here' and fully disclose the details of the report," said McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley.

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