Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane announced Tuesday she will resign from her position effective at the close of business Wednesday.

Former Montgomery County District Attorney – now First Deputy Attorney General – Bruce Castor, Jr., called for a news conference at 3:30 pm. in Harrisburg Tuesday. The news conference was originally scheduled for 1 p.m.  Castor took the podium two and a half hours later, explaining the delay was largely due to Kane mulling over the decision to step down. He says he feels she did the right thing.  Castor was hired earlier this year to fill in a newly created position in Kane’s office.  He was also brought on board after Kane had her license suspended.

Kane was convicted Monday night after a week-long trial for leaking Grand Jury secrets and lying about it under oath.  The judge called her a “flight risk”, and ordered Kane to surrender her passport, threatening jail time.

Moving forward, Castor will take Kane’s place and become interim Pennsylvania Attorney General.  He said he expects to face some hurdles as he assumes the responsibilities.

“I faced that situation when I came in here with the people who work here, and I had to earn their respect and their trust as an independent leader,” Castor said, “and I’ll have to do that with the public.”

Castor said he will take on the responsibilities as interim Attorney General as long as Governor Tom Wolf allows, which could be through the next election.  Castor added whoever becomes the next AG, however, has a lot to overcome, including an incredible learning curve and restoring public faith in the office.