It's not often we admit to feeling sorry for Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Corbett. But as his team trudged off to court for today's do-over hearing on Beaver Initiative for Growth, he must have shaken his head a little ruefully.
It wasn't supposed to turn out this way. No matter the result of today's preliminary hearing, it's pretty far from how Corbett thought the BIG investigation would turn out.
BIG was supposed to be his showpiece case, the one that would stand up to Meehan's prosecution of Vince Fumo. He must have realized pretty early on there wasn't much "there" there, but he knows that voters are easily fooled.
Right out of the gate, Corbett started trumpeting the "similarities between BIG and a nonprofit that former Sen. Vincent Fumo, D-Philadelphia, raided for his personal enrichment."
And even though nothing in the charges supported the claim, Corbett created the impression that Veon pocketed state funds for his own personal use.
Veon paid a janitor $100 a month in state funds to clean his legislative office. Fumo misappropriated millions of dollars.
No matter how this all turns out, it's pretty comical that Corbett brought a prosecutorial butter knife to what was supposed to be a gunfight with Meehan.
37 comments:
Having a case thrown out in a preliminary hearing is the longest of longshots--easily a thousand to one odds against that happening.
The fact that one of Veon's now three preliminary hearings resulted in charges being dismissed--even though no charges were dismissed today--shows the weakness of the allegations against him.
There seems to be little difference of opinion as to the facts in the Bonusgate and BIG cases. The relevant question remains to what degree, if any, the actions are criminal.
My sense is that Casablancapa is basically right that this is all about politics, what in the Reagan Administration was called the "criminizalization of political differences."
It is surprising how little former Sen. LaValle knew about this. Wasn't his wife indicted for misusing money in similar "nonprofit"?
It is not an acceptable legal standard for a magisterial district judge to toss out charges by saying, "I don't think you would prevail before a jury."
That's called letting your personal opinion get in the way of doing the job. Imagine what would have happened if he had applied such a weak standard in a homicide or drug kingpin case. The public would be outraged.
Nine hundred ninety nine out of a thousand judges would have held the charges for court in the first place. You probably could call the one who didn't a "personal friend."
You know, sort of like the judge who sentenced Fumo to less than five years in prison, when he should have gotten 20.
Where do I get my, "I love Tom Corbett!" bumper sticker?
Imagine what would have happened if Corbett spent the Commonwealth's time and resources prosecuting "homicide or drug kingpin cases" instead of trying to score political points.
Don't an "I love Tom Corbett" bumper sticker come pre-affixed to your OAG state car?
Ask some real questions. Like, is there an immunity agreement with DeWeese ? Wouldn't such an agreement be a little bit like giving Vince Fumo immunity to get Arnao and those two poor computer guys ?
We think so. Which is why Corbett probably would move heaven and earth to keep it under seal rather than be exposed as a fool.
Did I hear Gerlach may be calling for a Federal Investigation into campaign contributions funneled to Corbert through the RSLC(the campaign PAC of the Republican Attorney Generals' Association). Did gambling interests contribute money to the RSLC ? At the time weren't gambling interests prohibited by PA law from contributing to political campaigns ? Wasn't Corbett as PAAG responsible for oversight and prosecution of gaming violations in PA ? Aren't corporate contributions prohibited by the PA Election Code ? Did corporations contribute money to the RSLC that then made its way to Corbett ? Are the millions that Corbett received from the RLSC in '04 and '08 all individual contributions ?
Campaign contributions from gaming officials at that time were not barred. THere is plenty to hang Corbett on. The trumped up investigations against enemies of the machine, like John Eichelberger, and the turning of a blind eye to cronies like Rebert and Gingrich will nail Corbett. Hopefully Corbett will get the nod and this will all be moot. We can't afford another Mike Fisher candidate. Actually that's not fair to Fisher as corruption was not one of his weaknesses in 2002.
In my view, the key is the Republican Primary of 2010 and the information and analysis on casablancapa needs to be communicated to the Republican Primary voter.
Because of the Toomey candidacy, the conservative reform activists and base will be energized. Pat Toomey will not attack Corbett (nor will he defend him.) There are many activists in the Conservative Reform Network who will undercut Corbett and I have to think that Jim Gerlach sees Corbett's vulnerabilities.
The Republican State Leadership Committee is a source of much of that vulnerability.The anonymous poster may have more details. The Asher, a gambling lobbyist for three months in 2004 ( I think ) will come out, too.
The details will be most interesting and none good for Corbett, a menance to the Rule of Law.
Only a fool would think there was no corruption involved in the Beaver Initiative for Growth (BIG). Why don't the good folks at CasablancaPA connect those dots?
Here's a primer to get you started: Veon as a state rep funnels millions in tax money to BIG, which he essentially controls.
In just one example of how this scheme played out, money from BIG goes to rent an apartment/office above a cigar store in Pittsburgh (which is pretty far from Beaver County, last time I looked).
Then the main activity in that apartment/offfice is when Veon ally Mike Manzo uses it to meet his mistress for sex.
Our tax dollars were used to spur something, but it sure wasn't econonomic development.
No one is arguing against corruption at BIG. What has feathers ruffled is the partisanship of the Republican AG. His handling of bonusgate is like something right out of Simpsons, like that episode where the town cops are cracking down on DUI, and someone (maybe it was Homer) gets out of car and falls over the hood of the cop car, blind drunk, and they don't catch on that he's drunk and needs to be thrown in jail.
I will "argue against corruption" at BIG. At most, the AG has shown that there was not a bright enough line drawn among different pots of public funds, all of which even the AG concedes were used for legitimate public purposes. Perhaps Veon didn't punch a clock when he was signing out at state representative and signing in as chairman of BIG.
Millions from the RSLC to Corbett in '04 and '08. Now it is possible that all of this money came from indivduals and PACS ? But when you are talking millions being routed through a national PAC into a state PAC, in a state wherein corporate contributions are banned, it begs the question. Does the fact that corporate contributions made there way into the Corbett campaign through the RSLC somehow make them legitimate under PA law, if such contributions were made at all ?
The whole PA political story is just so sad. A two-party system is a system designed at its foundation to be corrupt and uncompetitive.
Perhaps one day American patriots will ship RepubliCrats to Guantanomo where they belong. Having infiltrated and hobbled American democracy, RepubliCrats are far more dangerous than "terrorists". Hell, they are our terrorists
Yes, its our squirrely RepubliCrats who are the true traitors to American Democracy.
Another nail in the coffin...tell us, Signor, does SCI Camp Hill have internet access?
The Forgotten Taxpayer asks:
What were the measurable accomplishments of Beaver Initiative for Growth. What tangible results were achieved? What was economically developed? How much new employment was created? What goods were produced and services were provided. Could money have been more productively been spent by private business?
It appears to me that BIG was a patronage operation like Fumo's Citizens Neighborhood Alliance.
The millions could have paid for a lot of health care instead it went to Harrisburg insiders because of connections not because of any tangible results.
Millions were spent with no measurable result as far as The Forgotten Taxpayer knows. Political incumbent insiders paid people who worked to protect their incumbency. That seems corrupt to me.
There was never a need for Non-Profits to hand out State funds. This was a Fumo creation followed by a few misguided legislators that did the same thing since Fumo was not convicted until 2009, more fool they!
Mike Veon and Senator Gerry LaValle were using it to reward political cronies, relatives, and immediate family.
This is what separates Mike Veon actions from other legislators such as Eachus, Evans, George, Shapiro, DeWeese, Santoni, and Frankle.
This is the reason why Mike Veon is indicted today and nothing more, why Senator LaValle has not been indicted is a fair question.
Senator LaValle said in the Grand Jury he did not know what Mike Veon was doing, but CasablancaPA still blames Eachus, Frankle, DeWeese and Shapiro and others for NOT knowing either.
CasablancaPA is becoming a website seeking the indictment of more Democrats more than trying to explain their innocence, this is sad.
a) Not even the Attorney General accuses Veon or LaValle of "using it to reward political cronies, relatives, and immediate family." He originally charged Veon with using the money for bonuses, but did not refile the charge after it was dismissed because he has no evidence.
b) CasablancaPA has never "blamed" Eachus, Frankle, DeWeese and Shapiro and others for anything having to do with BIG (or anything else, for that matter)
c) The purpose of CasablancaPA is clearly stated at the top of the page.
"Signor Ferrari said...
a) Not even the Attorney General accuses Veon or LaValle of "using it to reward political cronies, relatives, and immediate family." He originally charged Veon with using the money for bonuses, but did not refile the charge after it was dismissed because he has no evidence. b) CasablancaPA has never "blamed" Eachus, Frankle, DeWeese and Shapiro and others for anything having to do with BIG (or anything else, for that matter) c) The purpose of CasablancaPA is clearly stated at the top of the page. September 10, 2009 2:12 PM"
Here is the problem with those comments:
Relatives and political cronies did benefit by earning funds related to BIG.
The Board of Directors of BIG claim they knew nothing about what Mike Veon dealings and even Chairman LaValle is on record he did not know what Veon was doing.
Yet, you have claimed here over and over DeWeese, Eachus, and Frankle knew and you post it almost everyday?
The Cigar Shop was alleged set up with BIG Funds by Mike Veon himself from a political friend that was surprised when he had them sign the lease.
Clearly, Manzo's had knowledge since he used it often and kept it from Rachel Manzo that was working all campaigns.
No one ever answered these allegations at CasablancaPA but you blame Eachus, DeWeese, and Frankle and others everyday and claim they knew everything??????
Somewhere between the AG Testimony under oath, guilty pleas, and your non-responses on CasablancaPA is the truth and yet you condemn Corbett's findings and say they amount to nothing?????
Someone knew everything now explain how that happens without CasablancaPA Articles knowing nothing?????
Now you blame the Media, Press and Newspapers for not reporting what you want them to report, but you never asnwer the charges?????
"..you have claimed here over and over DeWeese, Eachus, and Frankle knew and you post it almost everyday?"
You are desperately mistaken, sir or madam; we have never posted anything of the sort.
"Signor Ferrari said...
"..you have claimed here over and over DeWeese, Eachus, and Frankle knew and you post it almost everyday?" You are desperately mistaken, sir or madam; we have never posted anything of the sort.
September 10, 2009 3:10 PM
EXACT LANGUAGE OF CASABLANCAPA ARTICLE POSTED UNDER INCONCEIVABLE BY CASABLANCAPA ADD IN VEON FLINGS ON EACHUS IN THE OTHER CASABLANCAPA ARTICLES ON EACHUS TOO BIG TO POST ON COMMENTS:
"""It was inconceivable that Bill DeWeese would escape prosecution. Editorial after editorial confidently predicted his demise. Remember this, Tribune-Review? Or this? And, don't forget this. How about this, Post-Gazette? Or this? We're looking at you, Patriot News. And we haven't forgotten you, Inquirer. Even the Morning Call got in on the act. But when what was sure to happen didn't happen, did a single one of them raise a single question about Corbett ignoring the reams of evidence clearly implicating DeWeese? How could this be? If Pennyslvanians have to rely on the mainstream media, they may never know."""
Now if I am mistaken, then someone is a liar, or am I just wrong to re-post words from CasablancaPA Articles?
If this is your conduct today, it does not support pleas of innocents from current charges and Grand Jury Testimony from others yesterday.
Quit blaming others and especially people that did the right thing!
We remain completely baffled; we cannot find a single word in what you posted that suggests CasablancaPA "blames" anyone for anything, or has any connection whatsoever to the Beaver Initiative for Growth. We suggest that you are profoundly confused, anonymous friend.
Anyone that says BIG was using money to "reward political cronies, relatives, and immediate family" obviously believes everything and anything that a newspaper and/or major media outlet would report. Not to mention you probably don't believe that while 'politicians' are liars and crooks, Tom Corbett isn't a politician so I will believe anything he says even when he is trying to win the battle through the media.
Do you know what the most important thing is to the voters in most legislative districts in PA? They want jobs and economic development. Mike Veon says he was tired of people saying politicians don’t do anything so he tried to make something happen with BIG because Beaver County was very weak in economic development ideas.
Keep drinking the kool-aid and you will never figure out how government works. If you really come to this site and believe everything they say or don’t believe anything they say you are just as blind as you accuse them of being.
"Anonymous said...
Anyone that says BIG was using money to "reward political cronies, relatives, and immediate family" obviously believes everything and anything that a newspaper and/or major media outlet would report. Not to mention you probably don't believe that while 'politicians' are liars and crooks, Tom Corbett isn't a politician so I will believe anything he says even when he is trying to win the battle through the media...... September 13, 2009 3:23 PM"
FUNNY THING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS HERE AT CASABLANCAPA, Do You Not Notice That CasablancaPA post almost everything the Media and Newspapers post about teh Investigation and Corbett too????
So, what you are saying we should not believe the Newspapers on Mike Veon, Mike Manzo, Brett Cott, and and CasablancaPA Characters, but believe the LINKS CasablancaPA puts up to the Newspapers and Media Outlets?
I know it is not 1984 but your Double Speak is confusing is it not?
I guess if someone put a RAT Cage On My Head, I would say anything like you just did above! Are you tied up?
You do need help!
"bobguzzardi said... It is surprising how little former Sen. LaValle knew about this. Wasn't his wife indicted for misusing money in similar "nonprofit"?September 5, 2009 7:22 AM"
Some speculate it is actually Senator Lavalle that is the "Sealed Immunity Witness" against Mike Veon & Staffers. Lavalle will sing like a seal if you throw him a fish bone.
Also, some say, Lavalle cooperated with Fumo' Conviction on where to find information, but did not testify.
Lavalle' wife is near a Guilty Plea but what is holding it up is the current investigations that are not finished until some Trials or more Guilty Pleas come in soon.
Veon never needed to point fingers at Eachus, DeWeese, Frankle, Dermody, Preston, Shapiro, George, Santoni, and others Legsilators.
Frankie Lagrotta and Gerry Lavalle were in Veon and Manzo backyard all along, and Corbett's back pocket after being caught, and they never knew it, but it will come out.
"bobguzzardi said... It is surprising how little former Sen. LaValle knew about this. Wasn't his wife indicted for misusing money in similar "nonprofit"?
September 5, 2009 7:22 AM"
What about his son's role in the real estate transfers with BIG?
Wasn't there another guy besides Mark LaValle who was involved in moving the real estate around? Anyone remember his name? Maybe he wasn't BIG.
Some speculate it is actually Senator Lavalle that is the "Sealed Immunity Witness" against Mike Veon & Staffers.
Doubtful for two reasons. (1) The BIG indictments were recommended by a Pittsburgh grand jury; the secret immunity was granted in Harrisburg. (2) The OAG called LaValle as a witness in the BIG hearing; if he's a witness in the case his immunity will have to be disclosed.
"Signor Ferrari said... I will "argue against corruption" at BIG. At most, the AG has shown that there was not a bright enough line drawn among different pots of public funds, all of which even the AG concedes were used for legitimate public purposes. Perhaps Veon didn't punch a clock when he was signing out at state representative and signing in as chairman of BIG.September 7, 2009 6:30 PM.
The fact is Veon never needed a Non-Profit to dole out State Money before he started B.I.G. did he? Fumo was convicted of misusing a Non-Profit.
Also, alleged Veon signed a Secret Lease using B.I.G. Money for a Cigar Shop in Allegheny County.....when B.I.G. Money is suppose to be used for Beaver County?
Then Manzo put a girlfriend up there to talk about campaigns under the blankets when she was attending Pitt. No one punching a clock but there was banging on the pipes.
Even Staffers at Veon did not know about the lease when they asked why is there cable bill for this office? Veon responded, it is for B.I.G.
It was DeWeese Staffer Email Ghost System Safeguard that later found out Manzo had placed his girlfriend on the payroll, and order an Independent Investigation and fired Manzo when all came out, and then cooperated with AG Office to avoid a cover up.
Yet, CasablancaPA tells us DeWeese knew everything, was part of everything, and threw everyone under the bus???
Now how is having an Office in Pittsburgh with Manzo's girlfriend in it helping develop economic prosperity in Beaver County???
Manzo's girlfriend refused to lie to Investigators and testified she felt being used, by the way.
Oh.....one more thing, guess who else did not know either.....Rachel Manzo, Mike Manzo wife!
But Representative George, Preston, Shapiro, DeWeese, Eachus, and many more knew everthing?????? According to Veon Papers and CasablancaPA spin!
IN A PIGS EYE!
"Anonymous said...Do you know what the most important thing is to the voters in most legislative districts in PA? They want jobs and economic development. Mike Veon says he was tired of people saying politicians don’t do anything so he tried to make something happen with BIG because Beaver County was very weak in economic development ideas.
September 13, 2009 3:23 PM"
Excuse me, Mike Veon was a 22 year veteran of the legislature, are you saying he started working on economic development in his 22nd year to defend B.I.G. money?
Also, how do you lease building in another county and make economic development happen in Beaver County? Especially an Apartment above a Cigar Shop?
Was Manzo's Girlfriend rolling cubans for re-sell in Beaver county?
Finally, many of Veon's political allies benefited from B.I.G. more than the people of Beaver County.
Oh, I forget, Miek Veon's allies are people living in Beaver County, so there is his defense.
Except it was the Director B.I.G. that resigned, refused to carry out spending the money Veon's way, and testified before the Grand Jury something was not right, was not running right, and he did not feel right about it.....with B.I.G.!
My hat is off to BOBGUZZARDI. He is on to something. Follow the money. Follow the connections. ASHERS to ASHERS
"Signor Ferrari said...
Some speculate it is actually Senator Lavalle that is the "Sealed Immunity Witness" against Mike Veon & Staffers."
"""Doubtful for two reasons. (1) The BIG indictments were recommended by a Pittsburgh grand jury; the secret immunity was granted in Harrisburg. (2) The OAG called LaValle as a witness in the BIG hearing; if he's a witness in the case his immunity will have to be disclosed. September 14, 2009 11:18 PM"
Doubtful is not a fact, waht is fact is that Senator LaValle son Mark LaValle handle many of the Real estate transactions for B.I.G.
1. What is a fact the Feds investigated and convicted Senator Fumo. Sen. LaValle was Fumo's right hand on Senate Appropriations. Fumo' staff taught LaValle how to set up B.I.G. with House Money with Veon. Information from those investigations and Trials can be turned over to the Commonwealth.
2. There were State Grand Juries set up way before the two you mention and they were set up in Beaver County on the Charter School, and led to alleged Darla LaValle's pillaging of United Way Pension Plans of her sister and relative.
This investigation proved Three Non-Profit Interlocking Board Of Directors hiring each others relatives, mostly political allies.
The Chairman and President NICK TROMBETTA of the Charter Schools gave thousands of dollars to Mike Veon and Gerry LaValle's campaigns by the way over a number of years.
So much for your "Doubts" as we hear other "Shouts"!
"Anonymous said... Keep drinking the kool-aid and you will never figure out how government works. If you really come to this site and believe everything they say or don’t believe anything they say you are just as blind as you accuse them of being. September 13, 2009 3:23 PM"
Well, The Reverend BIG Jimmy Jones creator and founder of Jonestown, knew how governmnet works.
Once Jones knew he was found out by a Congressman upon request from his District's Families , Jone gave Kool-Aid to his flock.
Now if that is the blind you speak of, should we not pluck out our own eyes from such evil?
This might have been Veon' and Eachus' problem, the HDCC Kool-AIDES were hiding things from everyone, and now blame anyone.
Praise be the Lord Brother!
Signor Ferrari, from his role in Casablanca, the movie is certainly qualified to comment on fine lines. He was a hands on mogul then and certainly is experienced in the corrupt present day practices as is the AG also familiar with as he to is a recipient and participant in the divisions of corruption. Their boudaries used to be more defined, everyone knowing their place and having mutual respect. Not taking too much of the piue and not hogging all the glory. This all boils down to a power play and who was on the right side at the right time. You are to be commended, Sr.
Ferraro. For you know your rackets.
And this sir, is all about rackets.
LaValle was Chair of B.I.G., friend of felon Fumo, senator to Veon, wife charged with crimes, senator to felon Lagraotta, father to son real estate agency, and was all around, but did not know a thing, but CasablancaPA says all Legsilators knew?
Never charged to date!
Does Not Compute The Truth!
If LaValle did not know too much, then his Chief of Staff Matzie did, or are they both that dumb?
Looks like only Veon ever knew anything and everything.
Manzo Knows!
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