Pittsburgh attorney Fawcett withdraws from state attorney general's race

Pittsburgh attorney Dave Fawcett withdrew from the state attorney general's race Tuesday, saying a fractured Democratic primary could hurt the party's chances of keeping the office.

Fawcett, an attorney at Reed Smith and a former Allegheny County Council member, was part of a crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination that includes Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr.

“The district attorney has earned his shot. He has years of public service and name recognition among voters. We don't need a fight that would only serve to split the ticket,” Fawcett wrote in a statement. “We need to join together to see that a change occurs. We can't afford to get stuck in this embarrassing era of incompetence.”

Fawcett said a crowded field could help Attorney General Kathleen Kane gain traction if she is allowed to run for a second term.

Kane, who has been charged with perjury, obstruction and oppression, would be barred from holding statewide office if she is convicted of a felony, such as perjury. She has said she does not believe she could seek re-election if her law license remains suspended but told her spokesman this month she plans to run.

“I think it's better that there's only one from Western Pennsylvania,” Fawcett said.

Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro entered the race last week, joining Zappala, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli and former county and federal prosecutor Jack Stollsteimer of Delaware County.

Marty Marks, a spokesman for Zappala's campaign, said Zappala will work hard to show Fawcett's confidence in him is well placed.

“The candidates need to focus on the issues of greatest importance to Pennsylvanians,” Fawcett said, noting that Internet scams and unethical business practices and lending are bilking thousands of dollars from people every day: “That's where we need an aggressive AG to protect Pennsylvanians.”

Fawcett said he will support the eventual Democratic nominee but did not expect to endorse a candidate before then.

State Democrats will hold their committee this weekend; however, state party chairman Marcel Groen told the Tribune-Review this month that he is working to end the Democrats' tradition of primary endorsements.

Aaron Aupperlee is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7986 or aaupperlee@tribweb.com.