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Zappala Says Strong Western Pa. Support Could Carry Him To Democratic Nod For AG's Office

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The race to replace Kathleen Kane as Pennsylvania's Attorney General is coming down to the wire.

Republicans Joe Peters and John Rafferty are vying for the GOP nod.

John Morganelli, Josh Shapiro, and Stephen Zappala are the Democrats in the race. Many people around Pittsburgh are familiar with Zappala, who is the Allegheny County District Attorney.

Zappala says his race for attorney general against suburban Philadelphian Josh Shapiro is coming down to the wire.

"Right now, as late as yesterday, we did some polling and it's neck and neck," said Zappala. "I'm pleased where we're at because we've been gaining ground."

The local district attorney says it may all come down to a strong vote of support out of southwestern Pennsylvania.

"I think we have to do well here, and I think that's why they ran that particular ad; notwithstanding, they misrepresented the facts of the case," said Zappala.

Zappala is referring to Shapiro's ad that ran only in Pittsburgh last week, accusing the D.A. of jailing a woman for a miscarriage. Local women have come to Zappala's defense.

"His record on women's issues is unparalleled and what we have all seen and been appalled by is the attempt to smear that record with a commercial," said Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner.

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Zappala says the Attorney General's Office needs a prosecutor, not a politician like Shapiro who has never prosecuted a criminal case.

KDKA's Jon Delano: "Is Josh Shapiro qualified to be attorney general?"

Zappala: "I don't think he is, and that's one of the reasons I'm running."

And Zappala, a one-time Central Catholic football player, admits this whole process has a taken a physical toll. In a light exchange with KDKA's political editor, Zappala reluctantly admits he's lost a little weight.

Delano: "You look like you've lost a little weight?"

Zappala: "I have. I've lost a little weight. I'm still 205. I played football in high school at 210. I feel good."

Delano: "You weigh less than you do in high school?"

Zappala: "Yeah."

Delano: "Campaign? Is that from the hard campaign?"

Zappala: "No, no it's not… Yeah, it is. I'm not going to start lying to you now. I think it is from the campaign."

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