January 09, 2016
Embattled Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane is expected to seek a second term in office despite facing charges of perjury and a suspended law license.
Kane's spokesperson Chuck Ardo said Saturday that she intends to run, but noted that was not a final decision.
Political consultant Ken Smukler, who has advised Kane on her plans, said the same to the the Associated Press Friday.
However, Smuckler, like Ardo, also cautioned that Kane's reelection campaign was not a sure bet. More from AP:
"If the question is, does she want to run for re-election, the answer is yes," said Smukler, who has advised Kane on an unpaid basis since she was charged in August. "If the question is, does she intend to run right now, I think it is her intention to run and seek re-election. But every day changes in Kathleen Kane's world."
Some are already considering a run against Kane, who is awaiting trial on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice and related counts for allegedly leaking secret grand jury information to the media.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that three have already declared their candidacy to challenge her when the April 26 Democratic primary rolls around. Others are also mulling a run. More from the Inquirer:
Kane would face a primary that already has three declared candidates: Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.; Jack Stollsteimer, a former federal prosecutor from Delaware County; and David Fawcett, a former Allegheny County councilman.
Also, Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County commissioner, has been considering running, according to his spokesman.
For the Republicans, State Sen. John Rafferty, who represents Montgomery County, is the only candidate who has signaled his intention to run.
Kane is sure to face scrutiny not only for the criminal charges brought against her, but also since she's not currently a practicing lawyer in the state as her law license was temporarily suspended in September.
A recent poll of state voters found half don't think she deserved to be reelected while one-third supported impeaching her.
Kane, elected in 2012, is the first Democrat and the first woman to ever hold the position.
