Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has raised concerns regarding Vice President Kamala Harris possibly selecting Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro as her running mate, citing what he views as Shapiro's overly ambitious nature.

Despite his reservations, Fetterman continues to be a staunch supporter of Harris, but hopes she will go in a different direction with her vice-presidential pick, as Fox News reports.

Fetterman Raises Concerns Over Shapiro's Ambitions

According to sources familiar with the matter, Fetterman has been vocal about his apprehensions, reportedly communicating these through his aides to Harris' campaign team.

His concerns were centered around what he perceives as Shapiro's propensity to prioritize personal ambitions over collective goals, Politico reported.

Fetterman has a history of contentious relations with Shapiro, particularly during their tenure together on Pennsylvania's Board of Pardons. Their disagreements revolved around second chances and the commutation process for convicted individuals.

Shapiro's potential candidacy as Harris' running mate comes after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race in July. Shapiro has since emerged as one of the prominent names under consideration.

Shapiro's Track Record on Criminal Justice

Amid the discussions, Shapiro's team has been swift in defending his record. Will Simons, Shapiro's spokesperson, emphasized the governor's commitment to criminal justice reform.

"The governor evaluates every pardons case individually and on its merits," Simons stated. "During his time as attorney general, he approved more pardons and commutations than all of his predecessors over the last 25 years, combined."

Shapiro's staff further highlighted his pride in reforming the state's criminal justice system while enhancing the safety of Pennsylvania communities.

Defending His Stance On Israel

In recent days, Shapiro has faced scrutiny over his positions on various topics, including Israel. This comes at a time when the competition to secure a spot as Harris' running mate is intensifying.

An old essay resurfaced by the Philadelphia Inquirer adds to the controversy.

Written in 1993, it expressed Shapiro's skepticism about the Palestinians' ability to peacefully coexist and establish a successful homeland, even with aid from Israel and the U.S.

In that essay, Shapiro wrote, "Palestinians will not coexist peacefully," citing a lack of capabilities to establish a functional homeland, "even with the aid of Israel and the United States."

Fetterman Supports Harris Despite Disagreements

Despite voicing his doubts, Fetterman remains supportive of Harris' campaign for the presidency. One source close to the senator underscored his unwavering enthusiasm for Harris.

"He has full-on, enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris," the source remarked. Fetterman's advisers offered a candid evaluation of Shapiro that focused on characteristics rather than differences in policies.

The sources were quick to clarify that Fetterman's assessment was "not about policy differences or other public baggage."

Conclusion

As the debate over Harris' choice of running mate continues, the differing views on Gov. Josh Shapiro's suitability reflect broader strategic considerations within the Democratic camp. John Fetterman's cautionary stance highlights the complex dynamics at play, underscoring the rigorous scrutiny candidates face in the lead-up to the final decision.

In conclusion, concerns about Shapiro's political ambitions underscore a significant debate within the Democratic Party. Despite these reservations, Fetterman remains an unwavering supporter of Kamala Harris for the presidency.

Shapiro, on the other hand, continues to defend his record on criminal justice reform and faces ongoing scrutiny over his past statements on Israel, as his candidacy for the vice-presidential role remains a pivotal issue.