Governor Matt Blunt says his Sunshine request for office e-mails from the Attorney General was prompted by comments from a Nixon staffer who suggested that the office routinely deletes e-mail

"If it's appropriate to inquire as to how the Governor's office handles e-mails, it's certainly appropriate to inquire how the Attorney General handles e-mails," Gov. Blunt said at a press conference Thursday.

He said he believes it is possible that there is a Sunshine violation.

Attorney General Jay Nixon, in Springfield Thursday for a campaign stop, said he would treat the request seriously and thoroughly.

A independent team appointed by the Attorney General is investigating whether Gov. Blunt violated the state's open record policy. A report is due in June.

When asked if he believed his office had committed a Sunshine violation, Blunt replied, "I don't think there's been an intentional violation of the Sunshine Law."

At the press conference, Blunt challenged Nixon to embrace a new policy to retain all e-mails.

"He's never said he'll participate in the new system. And I think he should do that as well," Blunt said.

"As Governor, if we need to address that or make any changes, we'll look forward to doing it," Nixon responded.