By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Democratic Attorney General hopeful Kathleen Kane will head into the Democratic state committee’s endorsement meeting with a full head of steam.

The former assistant Lackawanna County District Attorney announced an impressive $2 million cash on hand Thursday afternoon. The number gives some substance to months of scuttlebutt that Kane would have the resources to be highly competitive in the three-way primary and a general election.

Kane is well connected with Scranton-based trucking and logistics company Kane is Able, where her husband Chris is an executive. Her campaign did not specify, nor respond to several requests for comment about, the source of her funds. But likely, this is an example of the personal funds her supporters have boasted about.

Her announcement is also the first indication of serious fundraising competition for former Congressman Pat Murphy (D-Bucks), who announced in early October that he had amassed $1 million cash on hand. His campaign has not released further finance details since then.

Former assistant Philadelphia District Attorney Dan McCaffery’s campaign has not made a public statement about 2011 fundraising.

“It’s great news for the Democratic Party when the most qualified candidate running — the person with the most experience as a prosecutor — is also the person who has put together the strongest campaign and can do the most to create a balanced Democratic ticket with President Obama and Senator Casey. Kathleen Kane has the experience, toughness, and independence to become the first woman elected Attorney General in Pennsylvania history.” said spokesperson Daniel F. McElhatton in a statement.

The filing deadline for funds raised in 2011 isn’t until January 31 – two weeks after Democratic state committee – so none of the campaigns need face the scrutiny of its opponents before the endorsement.