HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Political newcomer Kathleen Kane is the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania attorney general.

The former Lackawanna County prosecutor defeated former US Rep. Patrick Murphy, 53 percent to 47 percent, with nearly 90 percent of the vote counted in Tuesday’s primary.

The two candidates waged a spirited campaign that was heavy on TV advertising.

Kane, 45, touted her nearly 13 years’ experience as a prosecutor while reminding voters that Murphy has never tried a case in Pennsylvania courts.

Murphy, 38, stressed his five years in the US Army Judge Advocate General Corps and asserted that he was the true Democrat in the race.

Kane relied heavily on her family’s wealth to finance her campaign, while Murphy received help from major labor unions.

(Copyright 2012 by the Associated Press.  All rights reserved.)