Wolf Nominates Bruce Beemer to Replace Kathleen Kane As Attorney General
Gov. Tom Wolf has nominated Bruce Beemer, the current inspector general of Pennsylvania, to replace Kathleen Kane as attorney general. Kane, convicted earlier this week of perjury and obstruction of justice, resigned yesterday from the position.
“Bruce Beemer has a depth of experience, he has the respect of the employees of the Office of the Attorney General, and I have no doubt that he will make this transition seamless and smooth,” Wolf said in a release. “I have spoken with Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate, and we have agreed that Bruce is the right fit for Attorney General at this time, and I am confident that he will be confirmed expeditiously.”
Beemer, once a top deputy of Kane’s, resigned in June to become inspector general. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported then Beemer had “earned a reputation for being an independent voice within the increasingly dysfunctional Attorney General’s Office.” At one point, he was the highest-ranking official in the office with a law license.
He testified against Kane during her trial, saying his “heart sank a little” when Kane asked him to stop an investigation into grand jury leaks. He also testified before the grand jury. He and Kane fell out of favor around the same time, it seems.
“Bruce earned a reputation across the commonwealth as a tough prosecutor, effective administrator and thoughtful legal mind, which is why I appointed him Inspector General,” Wolf’s statement continued. “I have great faith in his ability and know that he will serve efficiently and effectively as Attorney General. I also want to thank Bruce Castor for his service to the office, and I wish him well moving forward.”
In a joint statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman said, “Governor Wolf’s nomination of Bruce Beemer will help to provide stability for the office of Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. We believe that Mr. Beemer will represent the legal interests of the Commonwealth in a trustworthy manner.” They added that a confirmation vote will be scheduled “in the near future” and that they will recommend that the GOP caucus support Beemer.
Beemer previously prosecuted cases in Allegheny County before going into private practice. He will return to his job as inspector general when his term as AG is up. There is an election in November. The Inquirer reports the Senate will vote on Beemer next month.
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