Attorney General Kathleen Kane says Gov. Tom Corbett overstepped his authority in signing a contract with Camelot Global Services PA, LLC to take over management of the Pennsylvania Lottery.

But that wasn't the only reason she rejected it. She cited the state lottery act, the gaming act and other applicable case law as reasons why the contract didn't meet her test for form and legality.

“It is our duty to defend and protect the constitution of the commonwealth and that is what our office has done by declining this contract,” Kane said in a news release.

In an unusual move for a news conference, Kane declined to take questions following her 5-minute statement, saying her office would only accept them in written form. Her press secretary Ellen Mellody said that decision was due to the technicality of the legal reasoning behind Kane's determination.

Kane also took a shot at the Corbett administration for applying pressure to get her to sign off on the contract by promising $50 million more for home- and community-based services for older Pennsylvanians in his 2013-14 state budget if the contract with Camelot was executed.

“Promising money to people in need based on a contract that is not legal and then blaming those entrusted to do their job correctly is both disingenuous and a perfect example of putting the cart before the horse,” she said.

Senate Democrats hailed her decision.

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County said in a news release, “Pennsylvania seniors all Pennsylvania residents can rest easy now that the attorney general took this action and put a stop to the expansion of gaming without proper authorization.

“The entire plan was flawed,” he said. “It is clear that there are ways for current employees of the lottery to be given the latitude to implement changes that will produce better results and even more money being generated.”

Sen. LeAnna Washington, D-Philadelphia, called Kane’s decision courageous.

“Pennsylvania’s lottery is among the most profitable and successful in the country, and this decision allows Pennsylvania’s aging population to continue to receive the vital programs they need to live healthy and independent lives,” she said.