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Ex-Aide Replaces Convicted PA Attorney General

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP/CBS) -- Pennsylvania lawmakers speedily replaced the state's convicted ex-attorney general with her former top deputy.

Tuesday's Senate confirmation vote on Bruce Beemer was unanimous. Beemer was to be sworn in later Tuesday.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf nominated Beemer on Aug. 18 to head an office racked by infighting and scandal under Kathleen Kane.

Beemer told senators he hopes to restore a sense of honor and integrity to Pennsylvania's top law enforcement office.

Kane was convicted of leaking secret grand jury information to smear a rival and lying under oath to cover it up. She resigned Aug. 17 and faces prison time.

Kane promoted Beemer to the top lieutenant's job, but he later clashed publicly with her and provided testimony that helped prosecutors to convict her.

Beemer left his post last month to become Wolf's inspector general. He'll fill the remaining five months of Kane's term until a successor picked by voters is sworn in Jan. 17.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf released the following statement on the confirmation:

"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. 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."

Stay with CBSPhilly.com for the latest on this developing story.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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