What do Mike Veon and John Perzel have in common?
So far, it's not criminal charges, though that may change within days.
Despite the fact that they generally operated from opposite ends of the political spectrum, Veon and Perzel actually share some very important similarities - similarities that have not been lost on Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Corbett.
At one time, each was among the most influential legislators in Harrisburg. Each generated statewide controversy and outrage over the 2005 pay raise vote - Veon when he refused to recant his vote, and Perzel when he asserted (absurdly) that farm workers who milk cows earned more than state legislators.
But the most important similarity for Corbett is that by the time Corbett trained his prosecutorial guns on them, they were virtually without influence. Veon was out of the legislature, and Perzel would have been if not for the investigation.
Veon lost his reelection in 2006 and was a private citizen without a vote in the legislature when Corbett launched his Democrats-only investigation in early 2007. Perzel was widely rumored to be considering retirement after his failed attempt to recapture the Speaker's chair. According to several sources, the only reason he decided to stay was the perceived protection of the caucus' high-priced, taxpayer-funded lawyers.
If Charlie Thompson's Patriot-News story - and the most persistent Capitol rumors - are true, Corbett has found a way to generate maximum publicity for an investigation that has put nary a dent in the Harrisburg power structure. Not a single member of House leadership has been touched. The guy who controlled the purse strings in the Democratic caucus -- Bill DeWeese -- wasn't even subpoenaed, much less indicted.
Will the torch-bearing public be satisfied with the heads of the pay-raise poster boys, and fail to notice - as Corbett hopes - that not a single major player was even inconvenienced?
40 comments:
Corbett needs backing from major players, plain and simple...
Actually, Nutt and company are pretty smart. They know that Veon, please Mike what elected official rocks a goatee and zoot suits, and Perzel, a former waiter made good. They are both unsympathetic characters and make good prosecution and political targets. Now, what about the immunity agreetment for DeWeese ? Bill, if you did that to all of those young people I hope there is a circle in Hell just for you. If the Devil has any sense of irony, he'd make you listen to all of your floor speeches on an endless loop for eternity. He will point out how erudite you were, and then everytime you made up a word, he will point it out to you and laugh at your fradulent pretentions to classical education.
I think you mean "a former waiter made bad."
That's the problem with prosecuting crimes. You need to charge the people who committed them, not their successors. The "he can't hurt anyone now" excuse doesn't mean he should walk free. This is the same line lagrotta tries... Innocence because he was voted out.
Oh, how cute. You think this is about prosecuting crimes. You're precious. Don't ever change.
Mike Veon was and still is much respected in Harrisburg. I could see why some of the boys and gals took him for a quiet high and mighty leader. Mike has a quiet way about him, a walk, and a talk that just was not normal around Harrisburg.
Mike strolled in impeccable suits, like a man in a playing field without a trouble or a concern in the world. As if he had on an imperceptible coating that would screen him from anything while others were in the chaos of turmoil, but Mike would never panic, and if I am right is not in panic mode now.
Yeah, I think it would be fair to say if you ever met Mike Veon and his lovely wife, you would like Mike from the beginning you shook his hand.
In a strange way, actually John Perzel caused some of his own problems as well. Prior to the 2005 elections, Perzel broke the agreement not to funnel money against Mike Veon that Veon promise not to fund opposition against Perzel.
Nevertheless, Perzel Boys took a poll and saw Veon was vulnerable, so he sent $125,000 to Republican Jim Marshall for TV Ads against Mike Veon. Jim Marshall won and now is a Giant in Intellect in Harrisburg, knowing how not to do anything for anyone. The Republican Retirement Plan known as the Big Beaver Two Steps of a Widows Son!
It is going to be funny, but if Perzel is indicted, convicted, and put in jail, one would like to think the last thing that goes through his head after jail cell door bangs shut, will be to wonder how the hell Mike Veon will end up ever getting the best of him in return for his broken pledge.
"Anonymous said...That's the problem with prosecuting crimes. You need to charge the people who committed them, not their successors. The "he can't hurt anyone now" excuse doesn't mean he should walk free. This is the same line lagrotta tries... Innocence because he was voted out. November 8, 2009 4:07 PM"
Perchance this question is obtuse, but IF Frank LaGrotta was as innocent as he claims in his unpublished book, why did he not fight his way through court to prove his innocence?
Instead, he took plea bargain and snitched on others. Am I correct in stating that?
I mean does he think a plea bargain is a bribe?
For Supernatural sake, Frank LaGrotta, just go away quietly into the night.
We observe this felon informant on the internet and now he wrote a book?
Frank ought to be quiet and collect your $36k for that nothing career. It is not like Lawrence and Beaver County lost our Lincoln down in Harrisburg.
I am sure if you ask everyone behind bars they will tell you they are innocent :)
"Anonymous said...Corbett needs backing from major players, plain and simple...November 8, 2009 9:34 AM"
I think you mean major PAYERS, just a hunch!
Anonymous said...Actually, Nutt and company are pretty smart. They know that Veon, please Mike what elected official rocks a goatee and zoot suits, and Perzel, a former waiter made good. They are both unsympathetic characters and make good prosecution and political targets....November 8, 2009 9:38 AM"
All Mike & John needed was a suit and a tie and a little jiggly hula gal on their desk, they would've been "My Name Is Mister Tibbs?, if you please.
They believe in two things, discipline and the Bible.
In Prison one receives both.
Put your trust in the Lord. Your ass belongs to the Warden.
Welcome to Ashland, Kentucky, Mister Fumo.
Okay, I have met Mike, and the shot about the shoots was mean, but perception is everything. Shave and get some plain blue suits.
"Anonymous said...Now, what about the immunity agreetment for DeWeese? Bill, if you did that to all of those young people I hope there is a circle in Hell just for you. If the Devil has any sense of irony, he'd make you listen to all of your floor speeches on an endless loop for eternity. He will point out how erudite you were, and then everytime you made up a word, he will point it out to you and laugh at your fradulent pretentions to classical education.
November 8, 2009 9:38 AM"
Frank LaGrotta criminal actions, informing, and guilty plea started it and did those things to young people, not Bill DeWeese!
I regards to Devil, when Voltaire was on his Death Bed, and the Priest giving Last Rights, he asked Voltarie if he renounced Satan......Voltaire responded, THIS IS NO TIME TO MAKING NEW ENEMIES!
Bill DeWeese did the right thing by refusing a cover up, and quit making up Hypo's with Typo's.
I must admit I didn't think much of Mike Veon the first time I laid eyes on him; looked like a stiff breeze would blow him over. That was my first impression of the man.
Now I do not believe Politicians run the swindles, but I do think they just process the profits.
It is a mighty fine line, maybe, but it also helps a dozen guys and gals to get their pensions.
So why do you think the police, citizens, and OAG lets them do all that?
I think it is to keep us happy and doing the laundry money instead of wearing sheets.
I guess we just do not understand!
We are expected to accept some people that have no memory. Just a people with no memory.
What I mean is, these former politicians do not seem to be very good thief’s, and it is too late to maybe try something else.
Yet, everybody's innocent in Harrisburg. Didn't you know that?
None of us didn't expect the storm would last as long as it has and it s becoming cumbersome as an investigation.
When someone ask you if you ever met the devil?
You should tell them, oh yes, many times. As the Devil offered many rich things. But no money and success in the world can buy you back your legacy.
I have to remind myself that since Mike Veon left Beaver County it just seems some political icons are not meant to stay in one place. Their thinking is just too bright.
And when they do leave and go away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to try to lock them up does rejoice if it does not happen.
Still, Beaver County is much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss reading about how much he was helping our local communities.
I think Mike moved to Harrisburg just to feel normal again, if only for a short while.
It's his life. Don't you understand? IT'S HIS LIFE!
Unlike Gerry LaValle that has gone the way of Judge O'Kicki, Lordy!
It's a miracle! Man up and vanished like a fart in the wind!
The one thing everyone must never forget even with a bad memory is that Salvation Lies Within, but also remember that has a price too, because any Right Wing Preacher will yell at you, "No Donation, No Salvation!"
Still, I do believe most here are talking out of their ass!
Is Mike Veon married to a Bratz doll?
http://www.pa2010.com/2009/11/exclusive-state-gop-handling-corbetts-payroll/ State GOP handling Tom Corbett's campaign payroll. ♠
I'm sorry about the typos, but I trust you got the point. I bet Dante renounced Satan. Anyway, DeWeese got caught, hired a Republican operative lawyer and then ruined the lives of many young people who did not deserve it. Nice, Bill. I know you don't believe in Hell. But, I do.
At the time these alleged shenanigans took place, Perzel was the Speaker of the House on the Republican side and Veon was the number two Democrat and de facto head of policy operations on his side of the aisle. And you say not a single major player has been inconvienced?
Earth to CasablancaPA: Public corruption isn't a game of "ollie, ollie, in free!" where you can't be held accountable for your actions after leaving the throne of power.
Those chickens do come home to roost.
I think that when the attorney general charges Republicans, it will "shock the conscience" as promised.
Signor Ferrari writes: "The guy who controlled the purse strings in the Democratic caucus -- Bill DeWeese -- wasn't even subpoenaed, much less indicted."
Did you ever think that might be because after 200 people were interviewed, it was determined that he did nothing illegal?
We all know that's not the outcome you guys want, because you want to blame someone for the charged Democrats' Bonusgate problems. By the way, did you see the news story that said House Republicans had complied with 200 subpoenaes in Corbett's investigation?
Does that sound like he's been taking it wasy on Republicans, which is one of your cornerstone theories?
When a batch of Republicans is charged, it may be time for you to fold up your tent and move on.
Instead, you'll probably take credit for the 200 GOP subpoenas, then accuse him for having a flawed investigation for not issuing 300 of them.
"Did you ever think that might be because after 200 people were interviewed, it was determined that he did nothing illegal?"
No.
"Does that sound like he's been taking it wasy on Republicans, which is one of your cornerstone theories?"
Our cornerstone theory is that Corbett has politicized his office, and charging Republicans to score political points doesn't exactly disprove our theory.
But we don't need to make that case; any Republicans who are charged will make it more emphatically than we.
"you'll probably take credit for the 200 GOP subpoenas,
Considering that they were issued directly in response to accusations of partisanship, and we are among his key critics: yeah, pretty much.
Wait, you want him to investigate? I thought you said he was letting off republicans? Or was it deweese? No, wait, that's right, you are innocent and didn't do anything wrong. In fact, you are heroes and victims for doing nothing. Or marytrs? But those who talked are rats. But also liars. And besides everyone did it.
Which was it again?
Are you new here?
"Wait, you want him to investigate?"
No, actually. We wanted him to do the right thing and appoint a special prosecutor - maybe even someone who wasn't running for governor! - and let him or her investigate.
"I thought you said he was letting off republicans?"
We did. And he did. And he would be still, if he thought he could get away with it politically.
"Or was it deweese?"
Of course.
"Anonymous said...I'm sorry about the typos, but I trust you got the point. I bet Dante renounced Satan. Anyway, DeWeese got caught, hired a Republican operative lawyer and then ruined the lives of many young people who did not deserve it. Nice, Bill. I know you don't believe in Hell. But, I do.
November 9, 2009 7:49 PM
Sorry again, but Bill DeWeese did not ruin anyone life, some young people admitted what was going on, admitted to crimes they did, and pleaded guilty to them.
No one forced them, they had a right to a trial but chose to tell the truth, and move on with their lives.
They were brave to do it too. Quit blaming DeWeese for everything.
LaGrotta's Aide began the investigation and the OAG is finishing it.
Hell has nothing to do with anything! Doing the right thing avoids all Hells on Earth!
"Signor Ferrari said...Our cornerstone theory is that Corbett has politicized his office, and charging Republicans to score political points doesn't exactly disprove our theory. Considering that they were issued directly in response to accusations of partisanship, and we are among his key critics: yeah, pretty much.
November 9, 2009 8:53 PM"
The Cornerstone or Keystone of the OAG Case is that there was politicized offices using Commonwealth Resources, Time, Facilities, Devices and Payments, and it is not a Theory, it is backed up the very people that you employed and now will testify against you.
If they did wrong why plead Guilty, give up Pensions and Testify against others?
They are not blaming McCall, DeWeese, Eachus or Corbett the people employed by you are blaming you and will do so under oath in public not on a blog!
I mean after reading your postings here and then the blogs, it is like you are saying, “
You always tell the truth. Even when You lie.”
"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women."
Th big problem was too many Husband-Wives Teams in HDCC, and it caused many employees under them to turn them in and start investigations.
I mean Manzo's raised his wifes Rachael salary from $40,000 to $89,000 in two years.
Brubakers highly paid, now paying Attorney Fees!
The HDC needs to clean itself up and send such employees to other places in government when they marry or start to report to each other.
Greed, Jealousy, Envy and judging others did most of the HDCC Defendants in and they lost way more than any petty gains in money they paid themselves.
It is just a shame a darn shame!
Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic!
Same for HDCC, amateurs built the HDCC Campaign Organization, OAG professionals are taking it down!
Soul mates only exist in the Hallmark aisle of Duane Reade Drugs and the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus, until the Plead Deals are finished....then....it is.....D I V O R C E!
"Anonymous said...Is Mike Veon married to a Bratz doll? November 9, 2009 11:47 AM"
No, Mike is married to a very person known for her kindness towards others.
I do not mind if you want to dump on Veon for alleged illegal actions he has been charged with, even Mike would be the first to say he could take it, and he will deal with it at another time.
But leave his family and wife out of it, believe it or not, Mike comes from a fine family as his wife, and Mike has admitted mistakes but he did far more things right than wrong.
If you ever met them you would know! Same with most of the Defendants.
I concur, without reservation, that regardless of what he's accused of, Mike Veon DOES come from a fine family.
Signor Ferrari writes: "The guy who controlled the purse strings in the Democratic caucus -- Bill DeWeese -- wasn't even subpoenaed, much less indicted."
If/when the attorney general charges former GOP bigwig and House speaker Perzel, will Signor Ferrari also make the same claims about Republican majority/minority leader Sam Smith?
After all, Smith was DeWeese's counterpart in the Republican caucus. As leader, Smith controlled the purse strings in the Republican caucus, right?
How could the House Republicans have paid for those computer firm contracts without Smith approving the checks?
Will Signor Ferrari and Ugarte start speculating endlessly, as they have with DeWeese, that Smith somehow has escaped being charged because of an immunity deal? Or will they keep with the theme that Corbett has purposely failed to oonnect the dots as they believe the investigative picture should be drawn? Will they accuse Corbett of being partisan for charging Perzel (if that happens), and not Smith?
I see no difference in the two scenarios. Unless, of course, neither Smith nor DeWeese did anything criminal, which just might be the case.
It is now clear to me, that DeWeese has an immunity agreement. Why else let Manzo testify that DeWeese knew about the plan to give out bonuses. It will be interesting, however, at the Veon trial, when Manzo testifies that DeWeese knew, and DeWeese tesifies that he didn't. The trial is going to become about DeWeese and not Veon. I do not believe Veon will plead guilty, therefor, this is going to be a bumpy ride.
"After all, Smith was DeWeese's counterpart in the Republican caucus. As leader, Smith controlled the purse strings in the Republican caucus, right?"
That's a really interesting point.
"Anonymous said...Signor Ferrari writes: "The guy who controlled the purse strings in the Democratic caucus -- Bill DeWeese -- wasn't even subpoenaed, much less indicted." I see no difference in the two scenarios. Unless, of course, neither Smith nor DeWeese did anything criminal, which just might be the case.
November 10, 2009 7:35 PM"
Well, you have not read the Presentments or Emails put out by the Veon Motion.
DeWeese was kept out of the loop on the HDCC Computer Contracts, his Signature was forged to fund it, the CTS people that set it up said Eachus set it up and kept it from other Lawmakers to use. It has been posted several times here on CasablancaPA Blogs.
DeWeese was working on the Democratic Agenda as proven by his schedule when Veon in 2005 and Eachus in 2007 were controlling HDCC Staffing, Fundraising, CTS Data, and details to elect Democrats.
This is quite different from the Republican's tat were working with Computer Contractors and sign funding for campaigns, not having their signature forged and not being kept from other Lawmakers access.
You should not be a Fortune Teller since Jesus warned about practicing Divination, so beware of what you “THINK” happen.
First off, Manzo apologized for keeping things from DeWeese and he did it in public as he was fired.
Second, Manzo said he “BELIEVED” DeWeese knew but never could support it with anything but a belief.
Team Casa enjoys the use of slight of words turning “BELIEVED" into “KNEW” as usual, quite inaccurate as you can see.
Third, since you are wrong about your first two premises you cannot be right on your third prediction either. The Trial will be Veon not DeWeese or Anyone else.
Fourth, when one goes to Trial one finds out how limited one actually is in thinking what they can they bring into evidence.
The Lawyers never tell you until it is too late and you think everything is ok until the verdict is read. They just say, sorry we will appeal, as soon as, we get the next check.
The Veon Trial will be about what Manzos’, Foreman, Lavelle, Brubakers’, and Webb as well as others by Trial time.
They will testify against Veon’s actions that will have supporting documents on Veon, not DeWeese!
Convicted Felon Vinci Fumo thought he could blame others for his actions, but he was wrong and convicted on all 137 counts, as he sits in a Jail in Kentucky.
Mike Veon is far more of character than Fumo ever was, and will do the right thing at the right time as the domino’s fall and they line up against him.
"Anonymous said...Signor Ferrari said..."After all, Smith was DeWeese's counterpart in the Republican caucus. As leader, Smith controlled the purse strings in the Republican caucus, right?"
That's a really interesting point.
November 10, 2009 8:48 PM"
Not really, if you really want an interesting point, understand Frank LaGrotta as a lap boy for Mike Veon so long as Frankie got what he wanted.
But once he got caught, Frankie is keeping his Pension but his sister is not, so what do you think he has done to Mike Veon already?
No one ever understood that the entire investigation started with LaGrotta's greed, duplicity, and trashing of his own Aides, and once caught, then he turned on more than just Veon!
Only one guy has been trying to write a book in saying he was duped and is crying the loudest right now, it is LaGrotta.
Because he knows what is coming!
"what do you think he has done to Mike Veon already?
Probably not that much. If he were to be a witness against Veon, he wouldn't have been sentenced until after the trial.
Perzel is going down, boys and girls, justice will be served, and Tom Corbett is your next Governor of Pennsylvania.
It looks like "Corbett for Gov" may have something with his prediction about Perzel going down. Trib Review is reporting freshmen House R's were briefed on what to say when their fellow caucus members get dragged into Corbettgate.
However, whatever happened to a 4 caucus investigation? Mike Long starts a new business and Drew Crompton gets a promotion. The size of their bonuses and extra compensation coupled with extraordinary times put in on the campaigns...anyone remember that? I guess the Senate R's get a pass on Corbettgate since he needs their juice to get elected. Sad day to see such political ambition injected into a prosecution.
I think all Pennsylvanians need to be concerned when the behavior of some is criminalized and the behavior of others is protected by someone who has both power and political ambition. All of us who really love the constitution (and not just claim to) should be profoundly troubled by this course of action.
If the attorney general charges Republican Perzel, I would not be surprised if CasablancaPA concocts some convoluted logic that somehow blames Democrat DeWeese for Perzel's problems.
I can envision the posting now: "Why wasn't DeWeese even subpoeanded to testify about what the Republicans and Perzel were doing? They all worked in the same building together, and rumor has it he once had lunch with Perzel. Surely he had to have known."
It is interesting that you refer to Veon and Perzel as "Pay-Raise Poster Boys," while at the same time you've worked overtime to try making DeWeese a poster boy for what others did wrong.
The pot shouldn't call the kettle black.
As rea on another posting,
If Guns Are To Be Blamed For Killing People Then
Pencils Mispel Words
Cars Make People Drive Drunk
Spoons Make Rosie O’Donnell Fat!
At one time all Military Personnel were allowed to have Hand Guns in the Barracks.
Jimmy Carter removed all Personal Guns from all Military Bases
God Bless Our Military and Veterans That Fight To Save Our Freedoms
As Some Misguided Politicians Seek To Take Them Away By Law
Today All Mass Killings Have Occurred In Gun Free Zone!
Jimmy Carter won the Noble Peace Prize even with the knowledge that the UN Security Council Five Permanent Members are the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom and France.
Yet, these five nations are the biggest Arms Exporters As Well?
So much for Jimmy Carter trying to stop death by taking away Private Guns from our Military.
Freedom for all against Tyranny Go Team Casa!
"Signor Ferrari said..."what do you think he has done to Mike Veon already? Probably not that much. If he were to be a witness against Veon, he wouldn't have been sentenced until after the trial. November 11, 2009 12:46 AM"
Oh really, the you do not know how investigations start, they begin with a complaint, then interviews, then investigations, then informants on finding out more, then charges, then plea deals, then convictions by plea or trials.
What Frankie told to the OAG began the entire investigation and it was up to the OAG to pursue it, Frankie kept his Pension, few others will, Veon will learn the truth when it is over.
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