Casey Anthony prosecutor eyes state attorney seat

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- A former Florida trial lawyer who unsuccessfully prosecuted Casey Anthony on a charge of murdering her daughter is now running for a key state attorney seat.

The opponent whom Jeff Ashton will try to unseat in next Tuesday's tight primary in Orange and Osceola counties is none other than his ex-boss, long-term incumbent Lawson Lamar.

Ashton was part of the prosecution team Lamar appointed to handle the Anthony case last year. The young mother was acquitted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, in a case that drew national attention.

Ashton has pointed to that loss to underscore his claim that Lamar is a poor leader.

Lamar says Ashton lacks management experience and has criticized him for profiting from the Anthony case by writing a book and making TV appearances.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)