Katie McGinty Calls on D.A. Seth Williams to Fire “Porngate” Lawyers

Katie McGinty

U.S. Senate candidate Katie McGinty on Wednesday waded into the “Porngate” controversy, calling on Philadelphia’s top prosecutor, Seth Williams, to fire scandal-tarred lawyers in his office and saying that a state Supreme Court justice should resign over the matter.

“As a woman and the mother of three girls, I am appalled by the misogynistic, homophobic, and racist messages that were sent by these officials,” McGinty, a Democrat, said in a series of early afternoon tweets on the issue.

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It’s perhaps no surprise that McGinty would criticize Justice Michael Eakin, a Republican who is under investigation by the Judicial Conduct Board for his participation in the exchange of pornographic emails between 2009 and 2012.

It’s somewhat more surprising, however, that McGinty — who faces a primary battle with Joe Sestak in order to face incumbent Pat Toomey in next year’s election — would publicly criticize fellow Democrat Williams while her campaign is on the line. Then again: Democratic women have proven increasingly critical of Williams and his handling of the controversy — last week female members of the Philadelphia City Council called on Williams to fire the “Porngate” figures in his office.

A Williams spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment. Following last week’s demonstration by Council members, though, he reiterated his choice to retain the employees touched by the scandal. Three Philadelphia prosectors who were part of the email chain: Frank Fina, Marc Costanzo and Pat Blessington.

“I have reviewed this matter and the individuals involved have been disciplined,” Williams said at the time. “I agree that the material in question was offensive, but I would remind everyone involved that this behavior never took place in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. My office has remained fully committed to doing the important work of making Philadelphia streets safer every day.”

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