Pennsylvania Senate Unanimously Confirms Bruce Beemer to Replace Kathleen Kane as Attorney General

Pennsylvania Inspector General Bruce Beemer will replace the embattled Kathleen Kane as the state’s Attorney General, lawmakers voted today.

Beemer, who once served as Kane’s top deputy, was recommended to fill the position by Governor Tom Wolf roughly two weeks ago, after Kane’s trial shook Pennsylvania politics and found her guilty on nine counts, including perjury, obstruction of justice and abuse of office. Kane announced her resignation on August 16th, less than 24 hours after the trial concluded.

“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 statement earlier this month.

Beemer helped prosecutors convict Kane as a key witness in the trial. The relationship between the two has been shaky since Beemer testified against Kane before a grand jury.

Beemer will replace interim A.G. Bruce Castor and hold the position for five months, until he is succeeded in January. Candidates running for Pennsylvania A.G. this November include Democrat Josh Shapiro and Republican John Rafferty.

In a joint statement earlier this month, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Majority Leader Jake Corman gave Beemer their approval.

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