Rafferty pledges to end ‘scandal and dysfunction’ in Pa. attorney general’s office

The Republican nominee for state attorney general is drawing drew sharp lines between himself and current office-holder, Kathleen Kane.

In a speech Monday, state Sen. John Rafferty, a former deputy attorney general, touted himself as the only candidate who won’t use the office as a political stepping stone.

“I’m unique in that fashion,” Rafferty said. “I’m one of the few attorney generals and the only candidate that has said I’m staying … That’s how important I believe this office is.”

Rafferty said under Kane, the office has suffered from low morale and has been more devoted to political vendettas than protecting taxpayers.

“Despite what some people may think — and it’s a chosen few — the attorney general’s office is not an office for political activism,” he said.

Kane, who is facing several lawsuits and a criminal trial, is not running for re-election.

Rafferty, a Montgomery County Republican, also trod lightly around the topic of Donald Trump’s spot at the top of the GOP ticket.

“I don’t particularly agree with all Donald’s statements, or all his methods,” he said. “But he is the chosen candidate, he is the top of the ticket.”

Rafferty faces Democrat Josh Shapiro in November.

Shapiro, a former House member, is the current Montgomery County Board of Commissioners chairman.