JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A former state lawmaker is suing over an associate University of Missouri law professor and attorney general candidate’s emails.

Former Republican Rep. Kevin Elmer sued the university system and Republican candidate Josh Hawley Wednesday, saying the university violated the Sunshine Law.

Elmer said he requested university records on Hawley last May to see whether he received support from the university to run for office. Elmer said he was overcharged and it’s taking too long.

Hawley faces an Aug. 2 primary against Sen. Kurt Schaefer.

Hawley’s spokesman said the lawsuit is meant to distract voters from what he described as problems with Schaefer.

A spokesman said the University of Missouri system is responding in a timely manner but that Elmer’s request is extensive and one of 714 requests made last year.