Pennsylvania attorney general resigns a day after conviction
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s first elected female attorney general announced her resignation Tuesday, a day after being convicted of abusing the powers of the state’s top law enforcement office to smear a rival and lying under oath to cover it up.
Democrat Kathleen Kane’s exit completes a spectacular fall for the former county prosecutor who soared to victory four years ago as an outsider promising to break up an “old-boys’ network” in state government. She squandered her early popularity, feuded with rivals and aides and ultimately was undone by what prosecutors portrayed as a personal vendetta against her critics and perceived enemies.
Now, Kane faces prison time and can’t even practice private law after the suspension of her law license. Her office said she would resign at the end of the workday Wednesday.
“I have been honoured to serve the people of Pennsylvania, and I wish them health and safety in all their days,” Kane said.