Philly officials back Shapiro in campaign for state AG post

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Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro has gotten the endorsement of some top Philadelphia Democrats in his quest for the state attorney general's office. (NewsWorks file photo)

Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro has gotten the endorsement of some top Philadelphia Democrats in his quest for the state attorney general's office. (NewsWorks file photo)

A large group of Philadelphia politicians has made its choice for Pennsylvania’s next attorney general.

 

 

Montgomery County Commissioners chairman Josh Shapiro visited City Hall Thursday to collect endorsements from the majority of City Council Democrats, including Council President Darrell Clarke.

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Councilwoman Cherelle Parker said she knows Shapiro from when he served as a state lawmaker fighting for the mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms.

“I’m proud to be here to support you, John Shapiro, not because I’ve watched where you stood during times of convenience but I’ve seen you during times of distress and you stood up as to the courage of your convictions,” said Parker, a former state legislator. “I’m proud to be for you.”

Shapiro faces two other candidates — Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala and Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli — in the Democratic primary.

Joe Peters, a former federal and state prosecutor, and state Sen. John Rafferty of Montgomery County are seeking the Republican nomination to run in November.

The primaries will be held April 26.

Democrat Kathleen Kane, who now holds the post, has decided not to seek re-election as she battles criminal allegations she leaked secret grand jury material and lied about it under oath.

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