Monday, August 31, 2009

HOLDING LEGISLATORS HOSTAGE


Everyone in Harrisburg knows at least one Democratic House staff person who has either been interviewed by Tom Corbett's investigators or forced by subpoena to testify before the Grand Jury.

There have been well over 100 -- at least 135. (Associated Press, 7/31/08)

Yet, there is no indication that any former or current Democratic state legislators have been interviewed or have made a Grand Jury appearance based on their political activities, specifically activities that are well-documented in the pre-trial motions filed by Mike Veon this summer.

How can this be?

Bill DeWeese turned over to Corbett tens of thousands of emails implicating Democratic legislators and arranged for the compliant testimony from hundreds of Democratic staff. These staffers have provided sworn Grand Jury testimony that clearly shows several Democratic legislators were deeply involved in political activity using state staff and resources on state time.

A perfect illustration of the gaping disparity between treatment of staff and treatment of legislators can be seen in Exhibit F of Veon's July 2009 pre-trial motion which outlines Democratic Majority Leader Todd Eachus' political activity.

The number of staff who were involved and subsequently interviewed or subpoenaed by Corbett (nearly all of them) is striking. There are numerous emails and testimony that show Eachus had direct knowledge of staff activity. There are emails from Eachus himself directing staff on political tasks using state resources on state time.

What's amazing is that Eachus has never been interviewed or subpoeaned by Corbett:

"HDC spokesman Brett Marcy said Eachus was not among the legislators who testified before the grand jury, nor was he interviewed by any law enforcement officials regarding the Bonusgate case." -- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader 7/7/09

What kind of investigation allows Corbett to harangue and even indict staff members, yet the elected officials who supervised and directed them are not even inconvenienced much less subpoenaed or interviewed?

We've reproduced below Veon's July 2009 Exhibit F in its entirety with links to the attachments.

>>>>>>>>>>

Exhibit F

Before Steve Stetler resigned from the House of Representatives in the summer of 2006, Todd Eachus and his campaign actively used caucus employees using caucus time and equipment for his campaign.
[See attachment 1]

For the 2004 Election, Michael Thomas, an employee in the LRO, was assigned to Eachus’ district office in the same manner as Steve Webb in Beaver County that year. It is important to note that several defendants are charged with crimes in connection to Steve Webb’s placement in Beaver County for the Ramaley campaign.
[See attachment 2]

After Stetler’s departure, Eachus became a key member of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. He was a member of group who made final decisions regarding campaigns and resources to be used on campaigns, with a specific focus on directing the work done by caucus employees for incumbent members with difficult campaigns.
[See attachment 3]

Eachus directed staff to do general research work but also specific tasks for specific campaigns. Eachus even drafted emails for Eric Buxton’s company to send on behalf of candidates. It is important to note, some of the defendants were charged with crimes for allegedly having the exact same contact with Buxton.
[See attachment 4]

Eachus was aware of the campaign volunteer list maintained by Eric Webb that was allegedly used to award bonuses in 2006.
[See attachment 5]

In 2006, Eachus supervised and organized the HDCC effort in conjunction with the Rendell administration coordinating the appearance of Cabinet secretaries in targeted incumbent districts for campaign purposes.
[See attachment 6]

Rachel Manzo was directly supervised by Eachus for the HDCC’s cabinet secretary project. She coordinated directly with House Caucus staff, the HDCC staff and incumbent members’ campaign managers. It is important to note that Manzo was charged in connection with this project but not Eachus, who directly supervised her work.
[See attachment 7]

The HDCC cabinet secretary project under Eachus’ direction used House caucus resources for mailings, automatic phone calls and emails.
[See attachment 8]

Following the 2006 elections, Eachus became the chairman of the HDCC.
[See attachment 9]

Following the 2006 elections in addition to Rachel Manzo, Eachus hired the two most politically active members of Stetler’s caucus staff, John Jones and Erin Madison, and Michele Borlinghaus, a politically active caucus staff person. All three have appeared before the Grand Jury.
[See attachment 10]

Jones, Madison and Borlinghaus used state time and resources for political campaign purposes.
[See attachment 11, attachment 12, and attachment 13]

Jones and Madison actively coordinated with Eric Buxton to produce emails. It is important to note that some of the defendants were charged by the Attorney General for the same type of activity.
[See attachment 14 and attachment 15]

>>>>>>>>>>

Eachus isn't the only House Democratic Campaign Committee poo-bah who was never contacted by Corbett. Former Representative and current Secretary of Revenue Steve Stetler was never required to answer a subpoena and Representatives Dan Frankel, Jennifer Mann and Joe Preston haven't even been interviewed by Corbett's investigators.

We are flabbergasted at this ass-backwards investigation where staff are dragged before investigators (the reports of yelling, screaming and thrown objects are numerous) and the grand jury while their bosses are left alone.

We don't fault Democratic elected officials for not speaking out against Corbett's lopsided investigation and to come to the defense of their staff. They are scared, as Corbett intends for them to be.

We think Corbett's GOP gubernatorial rival, Congressman Jim Gerlach, put it best to Mark Scolforo of the Associated Press last week:

"[Gerlach] was concerned that the probe may be discouraging lawmakers and other politically active people from speaking out about the gubernatorial campaign, still in its infancy. 'I think it has caused a number of folks just to sort of hunker down and keep their head down and not get active and vocal on statewide political issues.'"

We agree completely. By collaring Democratic staff while leaving their Democratic bosses dangling in an investigative limbo, Corbett is getting the silence he needs for his politically motivated investigation.

It's too bad this silence doesn't prevent hypocritical, self-serving statements like:

"On a personal level, I'm just kind of disgusted that the actions of a few have cost taxpayers so much,' said House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne." ("Bonus probe has already cost Pa. Legislature $5.8M", Associated Press, 2/19/09)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

There was clearly a fine line between state work and campaign work at the Capitol...but this investigation began over the payment of bonuses for campaign work...so which of the people you mention - Eachus, Mann, Frankel, or Preston - handed out the $2+ million in taxpayer dollars?...just curious.

Signor Ferrari said...

DeWeese. Haven't you been paying attention?

Furthermore, only a very small minority of the charges Corbett brought last July were connected with bonuses; most of the charges centered on use of other state resources for political work - resources such as the contract with Govercom Strategies that DeWeese and his top aides, Kevin Sidella and Tom Andrews, used in DeWeese's re-election campaign.

What could be the reason Corbett ignored this activity while filing felony charges against others for much less?

Anonymous said...

"Signor Ferrari said...DeWeese. Haven't you been paying attention?
Furthermore, only a very small minority of the charges Corbett brought last July were connected with bonuses; most of the charges centered on use of other state resources for political work - resources such as the contract with Govercom Strategies that DeWeese and his top aides, Kevin Sidella and Tom Andrews, used in DeWeese's re-election campaign. What could be the reason Corbett ignored this activity while filing felony charges against others for much less? August 31, 2009 2:58 PM"

Sorry, what you keep saying is by no means the truth compared to all the citing you attempt to publish with distortions.

This does not include all the legislators as you claim that were doing what you all did.

No other legislator signed as secret Cigar Shop Lease to run campaigns out of it. In fact, no other legislator knew about it.

No other legislator used state employees to send their motorcycles to Idaho.

No other legislator had state employees make up Comp-Time; hire State Workers that did not feel right about taking leaves to campaigns when they were doing election work.

No other legislator had computer networks set up with forged signatures of another legislator.

Now you may be upset with the legislators that cooperated with the AG, but Fumo's Conviction proves cooperation and uncovering wrongdoing by staffers is not a vice but a virtue.

What you publish then purposely wrongly interpret is outright fraud compared to what has been published in the Presentments very similar to what Fumo s convicted of in defrauding the Commonwealth.

Todd Eachus is innocent and no one can prove otherwsie. Unless you can show he knew about these things, and so far you cannot.

Anonymous said...

I have asked a number of times, but no one ever answers my questions below:

1. What did you want DeWeese to do, try a cover up like Fumo, because that did not work?

2. Why was DeWeese kept off so many more emails from the Chairs running the campaigns?

3. Why did Manzo admit he kept things from DeWeese and let DeWeese down, and do so in front of witnesses, but you still blame DeWeese?

4. Why do you blame DeWeese when he did not approve of the expenses he never knew about out, such as the Cigar Shop Lease, Motorcycles Trips, and Computer Setups?

5. Why is it DeWeese never set up a Non-Profit to distribute funds when legislators do it every day on their own without a No-Profit?

6. Why do you dismiss LaGrotta's betrayals to HDC Leadership by hiring his relatives and turned in by one of his own staffers, then cut a deal to save his pension by fingering other lawmakers?

Sorry, but DeWeese mistakes do not add up to your actions by any objective means. I am still waiting for answers to my questions.

Signor Ferrari said...

Wait no longer!

1. DeWeese's first reaction to Corbett's probe was to try to quash subpoenas and to block admission of seized documents.

It was only after Corbett granted secret immunity to someone that DeWeese turned over to Corbett thousands of hand-picked e-mails and documents.

We know he didn't turn over e-mails showing himself, and his aides Kevin Sidella and Tom Andrews using a state-funded contractor to conduct DeWeese's re-election campaign. We also know he failed to turn over a large cache of e-mails that "suggest widespread campaign activity inside Mr. DeWeese's Harrisburg and district offices during state work hours."

Who knows what else he failed to turn over? Some might call his failure to turn over these incriminating documents "a coverup."

2. DeWeese was included on e-mails showing his stafff working on his re-election campaign. He is included on the e-mails discovered in Bill Sloane's former office that "suggest widespread campaign activity inside Mr. DeWeese's Harrisburg and district offices during state work hours." Furthermore, as discussed above, who knows what other e-mails he withheld?

3. Manzo testified in court that DeWeese knew about the bonus program. His lawyer clarified DeWeese "had full knowledge of the bonuses" and he "directed that certain bonuses be given." E-mails show DeWeese was aware of and approved the bonuses. DeWeese's assistant heard Manzo and Deweese discussing awarding bonuses for campaign volunteers.

4. Where'd we do that?

5. We don't know; why?

6. Where'd we do that?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 12:49 -- They can't answer your very legitimate questins because it doesn't fit with the CasablancaPA story line.
Everyone should realize that this blog has an aim (or aims), and that all of its posts should be viewed through the prizm of that bias.
It's no different than the New York Times being editorially liberal or Fox News being conservative.
Always consider the source.

Anonymous said...

My Response In Title Case:

"Signor Ferrari said...Wait no longer!

1. DeWeese's first reaction to Corbett's probe was to try to quash subpoenas and to block admission of seized documents.

It was only after Corbett granted secret immunity to someone that DeWeese turned over to Corbett thousands of hand-picked e-mails and documents.

We know he didn't turn over e-mails showing himself, and his aides Kevin Sidella and Tom Andrews using a state-funded contractor to conduct DeWeese's re-election campaign. We also know he failed to turn over a large cache of e-mails that "suggest widespread campaign activity inside Mr. DeWeese's Harrisburg and district offices during state work hours."

Who knows what else he failed to turn over? Some might call his failure to turn over these incriminating documents "a coverup."

DeWeese Never Ran Away From Admitted Mistakes, But Did They Rise To The Level And Scope Of What Was Being Done Behind His Back? A Few Emails Do Not Amount To The Many Others Were Doing.

DeWeese Was Not Afraid Of Any Investigation And Directed 200 HDC Employees To Cooperate. This Is Not A Sign Of A Guilty Man.

Your Speculation On What Else Is Out There Is Not Evidence. Furthermore, You All Worked On Campaigns With Manzo Than DeWeese.

2. DeWeese was included on e-mails showing his stafff working on his re-election campaign. He is included on the e-mails discovered in Bill Sloane's former office that "suggest widespread campaign activity inside Mr. DeWeese's Harrisburg and district offices during state work hours." Furthermore, as discussed above, who knows what other e-mails he withheld?

Now Compared That To The Emails Sent Mostly To All Chairs Of The Campaign And How You Twisted Them Into Attempts Of Culpability While Ignoring Your Own As Everyday Practices Not Being Illegal?

3. Manzo testified in court that DeWeese knew about the bonus program. His lawyer clarified DeWeese "had full knowledge of the bonuses" and he "directed that certain bonuses be given." E-mails show DeWeese was aware of and approved the bonuses. DeWeese's assistant heard Manzo and Deweese discussing awarding bonuses for campaign volunteers.

Once Again, Manzo Testified To He "Believed" DeWeese Knew Not That He Knew. So Once Again, You Now Are Making Up Evidence.

Once Again, DeWeese Assistant Testified That Manzo Told DeWeese That The Employees Were Coming Up For Annual Evaluations And Volunteer For Campaigns Not They Were Working On Campaigns For Bonuses. Manzo Was Including His Own Wife That Worked The Chairs For The Campaigns.

Are We To Assume Manzo Has Exonerated All Of You And Did Not Testify Against You, But Somehow Blames DeWeese For Everything?

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous said...Anonymous 12:49 -- They can't answer your very legitimate questins because it doesn't fit with the CasablancaPA story line. Everyone should realize that this blog has an aim (or aims), and that all of its posts should be viewed through the prizm of that bias. It's no different than the New York Times being editorially liberal or Fox News being conservative. Always consider the source. September 1, 2009 7:44 AM"

I fear they do not understand how attacking others that did not do everything they claimed they did, undercuts their own claims of innocence. The Jury Of Fumo Did not buy it either.

On the other hand, I do feel they should have been charged with violations that are more ethical that criminal, so I am caught in the middle of wanting fair justice for them, but defending the same thing for others as well.

If they keep attacking others with speculation and ignore evidence on record, it is a tall task to overcome.

They seem to want to blame one or two people and ignore all others, yet, they put up emails that they say implicates everyone, but never exonerates any of them.

Even worse, they blame others and say they are sealed witnesses, but forget 4 already pleaded Guilty in LaGrotta, Manzo, Foreman, and Lavelle, but continue to blame only Eachus and DeWeese?

It does not make sense and causes confusion for me in my sincere quest to request a proper resolution for all, using understanding of practices that went wild without full intent to break laws.

Anonymous said...

If you were in a fox hole with former Marine Bill DeWeese and the enemy was about to overrun you, he would shoot you and use your body to cover his own and hide himself. He threw everyone else under the bus to cover his own a$$.
He is done as a leader in the Democratic Caucus. He may even be only now begining to realize it himself.

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous said...If you were in a fox hole with former Marine Bill DeWeese and the enemy was about to overrun you, he would shoot you and use your body to cover his own and hide himself. He threw everyone else under the bus to cover his own a$$. He is done as a leader in the Democratic Caucus. He may even be only now begining to realize it himself. September 2, 2009 5:02 PM"

You are letting your hate for DeWeese blind you and you have to consider that your thoughts, interests and even hopes may be wrong.

The emails put out are by Veon' Lawyers not by DeWeese. They are being published not against DeWeese alone but many other lawmakers and staffers too.

It is not just emails that have caused indictments; it has been testimony from staffers, campaigners, witnesses and many disgruntled HDC employees, as well as, HDC employees that refused to lie to Investigators.

Fumo tried to cover up and destroy evidence, and was convicted.

DeWeese never did such a thing, and did the right thing, and is still under investigation too.

One Democratic Leader wanted to hide what happen, the other Democratic Leader wanted to find out what happen.

One should not be condemn when he acted appropriately as a Leader.

As for Majority Leader and your prediction, perhaps you are right since you are closer to those sources, I am not, and cannot comment whether your portending will become a reality.

All I live by is”, He Abused Me, He Struck Me, He Overcame Me, He Robbed Me’ -- In Those Who Harbor Such Thoughts Hatred Will Never Cease”.

“He Abused Me, He Struck Me, He Overcame Me, He Robbed Me’ -- In Those Who Do Not Harbor Such Thoughts Hatred Will Cease.”

(Dhammapada 1.3-4; trans. Radhakrishnan)

DeWeese did neither and admitted mistakes and still did the right thing.