Bush Holdover U.S. Atty. Mary Beth Buchanan

By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan of Pittsburgh continues to stir up controversy in her waning moments in office.

Allegheny County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Burn wants Buchanan to resign after reports surfaced that she is considering a bid for Congress, the Associated Press reports. He feels it’s a conflict of interest to remain in office while she considers a bid for Congress.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Buchanan, who was appointed by Bush in 2001, is considering a bid to unseat Democratic Rep. Jason Altmire next year. The AP said Buchanan has not commented on the report.

The Dems are in the process of finding a replacement for Buchanan, who had little chance of ever remaining as U.S. Attorney despite her hopes that she would.

Buchanan has been somewhat of a controversial figure during her reign. This past summer she was sharply criticized for implying that  a county medical examiner was guilty after she dismissed the charges that he used his office to financially benefit. The Justice Department launched a probe into the complaints.