Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, is facing scrutiny over his stance on criminal justice reform and support for Israel, as Senator John Fetterman raises concerns about his ambitions.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's record on criminal justice reform has come under scrutiny as he is considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. Senator John Fetterman, a fellow Democrat from Pennsylvania, has reportedly warned Harris' campaign against selecting Shapiro due to concerns about his focus on "personal ambitions" and differences over criminal justice issues.
According to a report in Politico, Fetterman's aides have raised concerns with Harris' campaign about Shapiro's handling of second chances and the commutation process for convicts. Shapiro and Fetterman had previously clashed over these issues during their service together on Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons.
Shapiro's Record Scrutinized as Harris Weighs Running Mate Options
Shapiro's staff, however, defended his record on criminal justice reform, highlighting his approval of more pardons and commutations than all of his predecessors over the last 25 years combined. They emphasize that the governor evaluates each pardons case individually on its merits.
Despite Fetterman's concerns, sources close to him maintain his full support for Kamala Harris. They describe his input as an "unvarnished assessment" of Shapiro based on their personal interactions rather than policy disagreements.
Shapiro's Record Scrutinized as Harris Weighs Running Mate Options
Governor Shapiro has also faced pressure to clarify his stance on Israel as the competition to become Harris' running mate intensifies. A recent article uncovered an essay Shapiro wrote in 1993 where he expressed skepticism about the possibility of peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
In his college newspaper article, Shapiro argued that Palestinians lacked the capacity to establish a successful homeland even with assistance from Israel and the United States. This view has raised concerns among some who believe it could hinder Shapiro's support among pro-Israel voters.
Shapiro's Record Scrutinized as Harris Weighs Running Mate Options
Shapiro has not yet publicly commented on the article, but his spokesperson has emphasized his commitment to Israel's security and his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As Harris continues to vet potential running mates, Shapiro's record and views on key issues will undoubtedly come under further examination. His stance on criminal justice reform and Israel could have a significant impact on his chances of being selected as Harris' partner for the 2024 presidential race.
