Local legislators react to Kane resignation
Southwest Pennsylvania legislators on Tuesday were generally satisfied at the news of state Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s resignation, saying the state can now turn the page on a difficult chapter following her conviction on multiple charges.
“For her, personally, it was the right thing to do,” state Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Township, said of Kane’s resignation. Unlike other legislators, Mahoney had sympathy for Kane, saying she was not a traditional politician when she became attorney general and did not understand how vicious Harrisburg politics can be at times.
“I don’t think she had the opportunity or the chance to do (the job),” Mahoney said.
“With Ms. Kane finally resigning, I’m glad that the office of attorney general can move beyond this sad time in its history,” said state Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Bullskin Township. “I am hopeful that they can now refocus on the important tasks of combatting the drug epidemic, protecting children and enforcing the law of the commonwealth.”
State Rep. Jim Christiana, R-Brighton Township, Beaver County, said he hoped Kane’s resignation “signifies the end of a long and disappointing chapter in Pennsylvania politics.”
With the general election on Nov. 8, a new attorney general will take office in January after Kane declined to seek re-election while under indictment. “I’m glad that the commonwealth will have a new attorney general that can begin to repair the damage done to that office,” Christiana said.
”I agree with her decision to resign based on the outcome of the trial,” said state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-Big Beaver, Beaver County. “I don’t think there’s a void in the office without her. I’m sure the staff can manage handling the responsibilities of the office until after the election.”Kane’s resignation will be effective at the close of business on Wednesday.
She was elected in 2012 and was considered a rising star in state Democratic politics with the governor’s mansion or U.S. Senate possible destinations.
On Monday, though, a jury convicted Kane on nine counts, including perjury, obstruction and official oppression related to her actions while leading the office.