Democrats in Pa. attorney general race run parallel campaigns

With less than two weeks to go before the April 24 primary, the Democratic contest for the state attorney general race is starting to look like a tennis match of endorsements.

The Democratic race for attorney general has been all about one-upmanship.

First, there are the ads.

One supporting former Lackawanna County prosecutor Kathleen Kane touts her as a “prosecutor, not a politician,” and sends a message she’s got the backing of top Democrats.

“Endorsed by President Clinton, she’s the Democrat with the most experience,” says the ad.

Not to be outdone, her opponent, former Congressman Patrick Murphy of Bucks County sealed the personal endorsement of another prominent Democrat – David Axelrod, an Obama administration adviser.

And all of Murphy’s TV ads stress his pro-choice stance. “He’ll fight to protect a woman’s right to choose,” vows one.

Both candidates have scored the backing of one large women’s political group, each.

EMILY’s List, which backs pro-choice candidates who are women, has endorsed Kane.

Murphy, in turn, has the backing of the Pennsylvania National Organization for Women.

Whoever wins the Democratic primary will face Cumberland County District Attorney Dave Freed, the sole Republican candidate for attorney general.