Senate vote fails to remove AG Kathleen Kane

Senate vote fails to remove AG Kathleen Kane
Charles Mostoller

A vote thatcould have removed Kathleen Kane from her position as Pennsylvania’s attorney general did not meet the required majority.

A two-third majority was needed, according to PennLive.com, and that majority would have invoked “a clause in the state Constitution that was last used — unsuccessfully — in the 19th century.”

The Senate voted 29-19, the AP reported, for the resolution that would have directed Gov. Tom Wolf to remove Kane because she has been practicing for several months without a law license.

Last week, Kane, who is facing criminal charges over the leaking of grand jury material, lost a battle in court to reinstate her law license.

RELATED:Kathleen Kane cannot have her law license back: Supreme Court

In a statement following the Senate vote, according to ABC, Kane said, “Today is a good day for all those who share my desire to restore confidence in our judges and prosecutors and integrity to our system of justice. Special Prosecutor Gansler will press on, leaving no hate-filled email unread and no ex parte communication uncovered, in our effort to deliver to all Pennsylvanians, the system of justice we deserve rather than the one we now have. I am happy to continue this effort, finish the mission I pledged to carry out and the job for which I was elected to serve.”

But Wednesday’s vote, doesn’t mean Kane’s job is safe.

After being re-referred to the rules committee, the Senate resolution would then go to Gov. Wolf, according to PennLive.

PennLive added that the governor, despite “wavering” would be “compelled” to sign off on the attorney general’s removal. The House will also consider a resolution that could lead to possible impeachment.