Rep. Marsico: Alleged charges against AG Kathleen Kane 'serious and alarming' but impeachment talk is premature
The allegations concerning Attorney General Kane, if proven true, are serious and alarming," Marsico said.
A story in the Philadelphia Inquirer last week cited anonymous sources as saying a statewide grand jury is recommending charges be filed against Kane stemming from leaks from her office of secret grand jury information.
Kane on Friday firmly denied any criminal wrongdoing. She said in a statement, "I did nothing illegal. Period. Any fair and impartial review of the facts would conclude that." Her crisis manager, Lanny Davis, held a news conference on Saturday, saying said Kane was being "railroaded" by Republican opponents.
"This railroad train seems, to me, to be driven by some men with grudges, men who are bitter and angry at being exposed and professionally embarrassed," Davis said.
The report of recommended charges was enough to renew calls for her impeachment from some lawmakers, angry over Kane's refusal to defend certain state laws that came under challenge. But Marsico said, "I firmly believe any discussion of impeachment is premature.
"In my opinion, impeachment is a remedy of last resort, to be used only in the event that the criminal justice system does not fully restore trust in a public official."
Marsico added, "I have every confidence that the criminal justice system will work efficiently, giving Ms. Kane a fair opportunity to defend herself in the event that prosecutors choose to file criminal charges."
When Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, who is sponsoring the Kane impeachment resolution, introduces it, it likely would be referred to Marsico's committee although House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny County, is the one to determine which committee will take it under consideration.
The grand jury's findings reportedly will be turned over to Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman to decide whether charges will be filed.
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