Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday nominated Kathleen Kane’s former top deputy to step in as attorney general for the remaining months of her term on the heels of her conviction and resignation from the state’s top law enforcement job.
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Ms. Kane resigned from office effective Wednesday. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the prosecutor in the case described Kane’s machinations succinctly for the jury, telling them, “She knew it was wrong, she knew it was against the law, and she didn’t care…”
Wolf spokesman Jeffrey Sheridan said Beemer will be a much-needed breath of fresh air in the troubled AG’s office.
“Well, he has the experience”. The committee interviewed witnesses and conducted informal interviews with current and former employees of the attorney general’s office, he said. “And as far as moving forward, and moving beyond what has happened, we believe that he was the best fit to do that”. Bruce Castor, the first deputy attorney general, is serving as acting attorney general.
“The Governor thanks Bruce Castor for his service to the office, and he wishes him well moving forward”, Sheridan said.
Rep. Joseph Petrarca (D., Westmoreland), the highest-ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said he believes the legislature has better things to do than pursue the impeachment of an attorney general who has resigned.
Beemer now must be confirmed by the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, said he expected Beemer would be confirmed swiftly, potentially by the end of August.
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The legal challenges facing convicted state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane may not be over.
