The Pennsylvania Senate voted 44-to-0 Tuesday, August 30 to confirm former Inspector General Bruce Beemer as Pennsylvania's acting Attorney General.
Beemer was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee shortly before the full state Senate voted. He was nominated by Gov. Tom Wolf.
“Bruce Beemer has the unique experience and skillset as a prosecutor, lawyer and administrator to begin the healing necessary to put the Attorney General’s office back on track," Wolf said in a statement. "He is trusted by the rank-and-file members of the office and understands better than anyone what must be fixed to restore the public trust. I thank the Senate for their swift confirmation and vote of confidence in Bruce and I look forward to his continued public service to the people of Pennsylvania as Attorney General.”
Former Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who resigned after she was convicted Monday, August 15, was found guilty for a series of crimes relating to a 2014 grand jury leak. Wolf publicly said he believed Kane should resign.
Beemer replaces Kane, the first Democrat and first woman to hold the office of Attorney General. She was convicted on a series of charges, including, perjury, false swearing, obstruction, conspiracy, and official oppression.
Governor Wolf said he believes Beemer is the man to help restore honor to the position. This feeling was represented in the senate with bipartisan support for Beemer.
"I can tell you that Bruce is going to restore the honor to that office, which it so desperately needed," Senator Guy Reschenthaler (R) 37th district said.
Prior to serving as the Commonwealth’s current Inspector General, Beemer served as first deputy in the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Criminal, Civil, and Public Protection Division, as well as being responsible for the management of almost 800 employees.
Beemer said the personnel will go a long way in helping to restore honor to the Office of the Attorney General, something he hopes to achieve in his new position.
"It's because of them, that I think there will be a quick recovery," he said, adding he hopes it can become a beacon people of the commonwealth can look toward.
Beemer was sworn in Tuesday afternoon.
He said he is looking forward to the challenge ahead of the new position.
"I think it's daunting," he said. "I think it's something we're going to be able to do."