Donated over $9,000 to Corbett’s campaigns since 2004

Gov. Tom Corbett nominated Linda L. Kelly to as attorney general, replacing Acting Attorney General William H. Ryan, who took over the office on Jan. 18.

Ms. Kelly’s nomination leaves two remaining cabinet positions without nominations: secretaries for the state Department of Conservation of Natural Resources and Labor and Industry.

Ms. Kelly was a prosecutor for over 30 years, serving as both an Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney and as senior litigation counsel as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

“I know from my personal experience that throughout her career she has consistently demonstrated good judgment, common sense and has the experience to successfully lead the Attorney General’s office,” Mr. Corbett said.

Ms. Kelly has donated $9,100 to Mr. Corbett’s campaigns since 2004. She has agreed not to run for re-election when Mr. Corbett’s original term ends in 2012, following a long-standing tradition. The governor said he has known Ms. Kelly since 1976 when they were assistant district attorneys together.

The attorney general is the state’s top law enforcement officer, with civil and criminal court responsibilities as well as consumer protection. The office has about 750 employees with 20 offices across the commonwealth.

While Mr. Corbett said Ms. Kelly would not be able to see criminal cases before being confirmed by the Senate, he indicated the budget for and the staffing of the office would be the primary challenges.

“I would think I would have the opportunity to at least educate myself on some of the matters that have been discussed,” said Ms. Kelly. “I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to have any inside knowledge as far as that office is concerned.”

With the Bonsugate trials still pending, Mr. Corbett indicated Ms. Kelly would be taking over those investigations.

“Obviously Ms. Kelly doesn’t know the details that I know, and when she is confirmed and sworn in she’ll have to come up to speed,” said Mr. Corbett.

Ms. Kelly said she does not plan to resign her current position until confirmed by the Senate and confirmed she is eligible for the early retirement plan offered through the Office of the Attorney General.

Ms. Kelly, 61, has been twice named acting U.S. Attorney, first for 15 months through October 1998 and then for five months in 2001.

As interim U.S. Attorney, Ms. Kelly has worked with the Allegheny County and Pittsburgh’s Youth Works job initiative, which recruits employers for at-risk youths. Ms. Kelly is a graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law.

If confirmed, Ms. Kelly would become Pennsylvania’s first female attorney general since the office became an elected position in 1980. The last woman to hold the post was Anne X. Alpern from 1959 to 1961.