Character, the sages say, is what you do when you think no one is looking.
What does Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Corbett do when he thinks no one is looking?
He accepts a campaign contribution from a political operative he claims is under investigation.
He allows a political operative ostensibly under investigation to organize a fund raiser for him.
He allows another supposed target of investigation to host another fund raiser for him.
He and his campaign manager meet privately with a politician he claims is under investigation.
He allows his taxpayer-funded state Attorney General staff to initiate and accept hundreds of calls, on state phones and on state time, to and from his campaign staff.
He allows a sitting cabinet member to ignore a subpoena.
He green-lights the disposal of computers that supposedly contain evidence in a supposed investigation.
He parks political operatives in taxpayer-funded jobs at the Office of Attorney General.
He overlooks clear evidence of wrongdoing in the office of a Republican district attorney and political ally.
He sweeps under the rug rape allegations against another Republican district attorney and political ally.
He grants someone secret immunity and subsequently ignores a mountain of evidence against the most obvious suspect in the investigation he claims to be conducting.
Now that the eyes of Pennsylvania are upon him, Corbett thinks he can paper over these sins with a little damage control.
Would he ever have conducted a real investigation of Republicans if he hadn't been publicly called out on his partisanship?
If the Tribune-Review hadn't revealed that Steve Stetler flouted a subpoena, would Corbett have continued to let it slide?
If certain bloggers hadn't raised red flags about a possible secret deal with former House Democratic Leader H. William DeWeese, would DeWeese ever have been called before the grand jury?
Would allegations against current Leader Todd Eachus ever have seen the light of day if defendant Mike Veon hadn't included them in his massive motion for dismissal in July ?
As the Magic 8-Ball says: Very doubtful.
43 comments:
PA AG Thomas Corbett and his staffers are doing what under the color of law his office requires him to do, and that is not hypocrisy, criminal, or conflicts as suggested here.
No investigations were ever closed and all are still open and the OAG has been fair, balanced, and detailed.
What is more remarkable is the OAG is listening back from the Grand Jury and may hold a special session on how to continue the reforms instituted by Bill DeWeese ever since his own persona was betrayed by colleagues he relied on in the HDCC.
Todd Eachus has to answer on how the CIT Computer Data was changed and hidden under his alleged direction and some computer disc destroyed on gun ranges.
Stetler is going to testify and show how the HDCC was set up before he left and it was not illegal until after he left and it was changed, by many indicted, pleaded, and still under investigation.
The Grand Jury may even call for all the Bonuses to be paid back by all commonwealth employees of both parties.
This is my insight based upon what I read in all the Newspapers, Veon Pre-Trial Motions, and Presentments.
I am still under the belief many of these are unethical violations that can be easily corrected and reimburse, and only when some sought to hide, lie, destroy, and obstruct the investigations did real crimes occur.
Those that cooperated did the right thing, legal actions taken to protect the rights of all are not wrong, and only those that refused cooperatioon have something to worry about.
Stetler will answer the allegations before a Grand Jury, as stated by the Governor in the PPG. These are actions of someone with nothing to hie.
DeWeese did the right thing from the day he discovered things, events, and monies were hidden from him too, as admitted by former staffers of HDCC.
Eachus will have to explain how he rose to power by doing things that Veon is accused of doing, without being indicted. Eachus may very well have allegedly planned many of these actions as poited out in the Veon papers to gain power.
However, in the end, Team Casa may have to compliment Tom Corbett for being fair in this entire process and not out for glory to become Governor, but because he did the right things too in a public mess caused by arrogance, greed, and quests for power.
I hope some are not found guilty, some pleads overturned on appeal, and some charges dropped if the Grand Jury recommends Reforms long overdue.
There must be some consequences for HDC, HRC, SDC, SRC, current staffers too, and total reorganizations of all four caucuses. Such sloppy, shoddy, and outright laziness has no place in government.
Strange but True!
I see Steve Webb a man of character that has no immunity is testifying in the Bonusgate Trials.
Correct me if I am wrong, but did Steve Webb run Campaigns for the HDCC and Veon's Campaign?
Steve Webb is apparently doing the right thing or is he not according to Team Casa?
Thank you in advance for your answers!
Veon's trial is going to be hilarious - I cannot wait to see how the "I didn't do anything wrong but so did these guys" defense works out.
If Corbett charged DeWeese and Eachus because of Veon, then I imagine they will be pissed enough at Mike and Brett to testify against them at trial.
It must suck to see your defenses crumbling, your former co-workers turning against you and your own employees testifying to cover their own asses.
(Nice timed post, by the way)
For all his hypocrisy and conflicts, there is, nevertheless, the result of Perzel in handcuffs and if DeWeese, Eachus and Stetler are added and, then, as I am told, some Senate Rs, that will cover a lot of hypocrisy.
Tim Carson and Pat Deon are names to look at.
"Anonymous said...Veon's trial is going to be hilarious - I cannot wait to see how the "I didn't do anything wrong but so did these guys" defense works out. If Corbett charged DeWeese and Eachus because of Veon, then I imagine they will be pissed enough at Mike and Brett to testify against them at trial. It must suck to see your defenses crumbling, your former co-workers turning against you and your own employees testifying to cover their own asses. (Nice timed post, by the way)December 4, 2009 2:16 PM"
Unlike others, I hope the Veon, Cott, and anyone else actually do not go to trial and see the charges dropped.
Although there is no question that it seems they used State Resources on elections, it is still my judgment it was not intentional, but grew out of just sloppy political customs that over time seem normal.
I believe Corbett knows this to be true, but at the same time; he has a dilemma and must follow the law especially when staffers turn you in or make complaints.
I still feel from all I read as well, that DeWeese was out of the HDCC Loop, and some of his staffers did things under his name and against his orders to watch your steps.
I say so, because you do not investigate yourself and your staffs and HDCC unless you want to know what happen.
The Ramaley Trial is the key, if it results in a conviction, no one is safe, and if acquitted, well depending on the testimony of guilty felons is not a sound foundation.
We will know in about 10 days as the Citizens of Pennsylvania that are Jurors will decide.
I do hope the Grand Jury does recommend Reforms, reimbursements of bonuses, and do not condemn Corbett on doing a job he did not want, and Team Casa does have some points on how the OAG did it job, but no one is ever perfect.
It just on B.I.G. mess and it all started under Fumo’ behavior followed by LaGrotta’s conduct and betrayal, and Perzel’s concealment, that others copied, especially the hiring of staffers that did not follow the rules.
Regarding today, how could the jury every believe some fat guy that already admitted telling fairy tales to the grand jury?
"bobguzzardi said...For all his hypocrisy and conflicts, there is, nevertheless, the result of Perzel in handcuffs and if DeWeese, Eachus and Stetler are added and, then, as I am told, some Senate Rs, that will cover a lot of hypocrisy. Tim Carson and Pat Deon are names to look at. December 4, 2009 7:44 PM"
Nice rumors but your blogs have been proven wrong before and based on the foundations of assumptions more than facts. Moreover, your interest in being against Tom Corbett candidacy is not exactly unbiased.
I still commend you writing them, but I must disagree with them, this is tragedy of government failure, and many good people are caught up with things they never intended.
Yet, the ones that organized it must be held accountable in some way. There are still ways the Commonwealth can be made whole and others responsible held answerable without prison.
I take no pleasure in seeing these people of public service come under the cloud of corruption and wish no indictments on anyone at anytime.
Men and Women of Goodwill must stand up and change what went wrong and not be afraid to tell the truth, and do the right thing.
To anonymous 12:35
Not only did Steve Webb testify - he admitted to lying to the grand jury numerous times, destroying evidence and engaging in opposition research on state time. The answer of the day was "Oh I misspoke when I just said that to you"
This is not a man of character - this is a man who the OAG busted committing crimes and now must do whatever they want to keep himself out of trouble.
Anonymous said...I see Steve Webb a man of character that has no immunity is testifying in the Bonusgate Trials. Correct me if I am wrong, but did Steve Webb run Campaigns for the HDCC and Veon's Campaign? Steve Webb is apparently doing the right thing or is he not according to Team Casa? Thank you in advance for your answers! December 4, 2009 12:35 PM
TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION:
"Defense attorney Philip Ignelzi told the jury of six men and six women that Mr. Ramaley, 34, had done nothing wrong. Mr. Ignelzi said Steve Webb, who had done work on Mr. Ramaley's 2004 campaign, will be the most important government witness and, he insisted, Mr. Webb has no credibility."
"Webb will tell you that he is an admitted perjurer. He has lied under oath before. He has broken the law. He has destroyed documents. He did opposition research on public time. To convict Sean Ramaley you will have to accept [Webb's] testimony hook, line and sinker," Mr. Ignelzi said.
Hey Anonymous 9:28 PM
You said...To anonymous 12:35
Not only did Steve Webb testify - he admitted to lying to the grand jury numerous times, destroying evidence and engaging in opposition research on state time. The answer of the day was "Oh I misspoke when I just said that to you"
This is not a man of character - this is a man who the OAG busted committing crimes and now must do whatever they want to keep himself out of trouble.
December 4, 2009 9:28 PM
One big question for you......ready....here it comes....
IF STEVE WEBB WAS SO BAD AS DESCRIBED, WHO HAD THE POOR JUDGMENT TO HIRE HIM????
&
WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT THE PERSON THAT HIRED HIM?
what a tanled webb we weave -- when we practice to deceive.
Anonymous said...
Regarding today, how could the jury every believe some fat guy that already admitted telling fairy tales to the grand jury?
December 4, 2009 8:41 PM
Brett Cott is not fat! Get it straight!
When will the Attorney general investigate Dilworth Paxson Law Firm that benefited for years from convicted senator Fumo's employment, rain maker, and corruption?
Can anyone at CasablancaPA tell us how much money Dilworth Paxson has contributed to Tom Corbett Campaigns as Attorney general and now Governor?
This may lead to places where Tom Corbett does not want to go, but where the truth will found.
Philly Newspapers file Chapter 11
By Rob Hopkins on February 23, 2009 6:02 AM
Philadelphia Newspapers LLC, publisher of the Daily News and the Inquirer, and owner of philly.com, announced today that it is voluntarily restructuring its debt under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
The case was filed yesterday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, by attorney Lawrence G. McMichael, of Dilworth Paxson LLP.
The company emphasized that it would continue normal operations of its newspapers, magazines and online businesses without interruption during the debt-restructuring process.
"Philadelphia Newspapers' goal is to bring its debt in line with the realities of the current economic and business conditions," said Brian Tierney, chief executive officer.
"Over the last two years, we have made significant progress in improving the quality of our journalism, building a relationship based on mutual trust and respect with our unions, making our operations among the most efficient in the industry and innovatively serving our readers and advertisers.
"This restructuring is focused solely on our debt, not our operations. Our operations are sound and profitable. We are the medium of choice in this region for advertisers and readers.
GO GET THEM MIKE VEON: DEJA VU! IF THEY DO JOIN YOU, TAKE THEM ALL DOWN, JUST LIKE RTHE PAY RAISE.
Mike Veon points finger at other legislative leaders:
By JIM STRINE,
The Patriot-News
July 16, 2009, 11:55PM
Lawyers for former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon added more names Thursday to their claims of selective prosecution of their client.
House Speaker Keith McCall and Majority Leader Todd Eachus were among those whose names Veon's lawyers included in a court filing in which the lawyers seek to question nearly 40 House members and staffers in their bid to get charges against Veon dismissed.
The lawyers argue that McCall, Eachus and other lawmakers have done the same things that have Veon fighting dozens of criminal charges.
Veon, a former Beaver County lawmaker who now lives in Harrisburg, faces 59 counts of theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest for what prosecutors have called systematic use of state staff and resources for his political or personal benefit.
Among the allegations is that Veon and top Democratic aides funneled public money to a once-secret bonus program to reward legislative staffers who volunteered for House campaign duty from 2004 through 2006.
Co-counsel Dan Raynak of Phoenix stressed that he is not implying criminal conduct by the legislators he seeks to question.
"The way that the system is designed, if you have to campaign and you have to do the job you are elected to ... there are going to be overlaps because neither one is confined to an 8-to-5 workday," Raynak said. "But if they're saying it's a crime, then the enforcement has to be applied equally."
In a response filing, Chief Deputy Attorney General Frank Fina repeated arguments that the selective prosecution claim cannot stand, in part because Attorney General Tom Corbett's investigation of legislative operations is still in progress.
Because of secrecy rules surrounding grand jury investigations, Fina argued, he "is not free to disclose this evidence of ongoing investigations."
But if Dauphin County President Judge Richard Lewis feels a hearing is warranted, it should be transferred to the judge supervising the grand jury, Fina said.
FRANK FINA IS THE POLITICAL PERSECUTOR AND SHOULD BE REMOVED.
I’m concerned about members of Dilworth Paxson and Duane Morris involving themselves in the bizarre, dishonorable and unpopular effort to Move The Barnes Foundation from Merion to Philadelphia in violation of the Last Will and Testament of Dr. Barnes.
MIDNIGHT LEGISLATIVE PORKING NOW BANNED
Even though our PA Legislature has now outlawed the insertion of undebated 11th hour addons to legislation, The Barnes Foundation is still clawing for their ill-gotten undebated 2002 (H.B.1213) $107mn PA Budget earmark from PA Taxpayers
They seem to care nothing for the principles of Estates and Trusts, Pennsylvania Law or Pennsylvania history or tradition.
How can anyone respect their actions in supporting this move?
Keep The Barnes in Merion. Barnesfriends.org Artjail.org
The answer lies within Rule 8.3 (c) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. You may also wish to go to the Pa. Disciplinary Board website (www.padisciplinaryboard.org) and look for the October 2008 Attorney E-Newsletter. The article “Help for the Troubled Attorney” comments on this issue. For additional assurance as to whether or not a duty to report is triggered, we (LCL) will refer a caller to an ethics expert who will give them advice (usually free).
In 1974, Fumo, along with three associates, was the target of a 44 count indictment for mail fraud. The four men, who included the Majority Leader of the State Senate, the head of the Democratic City Executive Committee, and the Chief Clerk of the State House were accused of helping convicted Senator Cianfrani, add 33 ghost employees to the state payroll. At the time, Fumo was an assistant to Camiel in charge of patronage.
In 1978, Fumo was convicted by a jury of 15 counts. However, a federal judge overturned the conviction in 1981 after motions by the defense to acquit.
Fumo was associated with the Philadelphia Law firm of Dilworth Paxson LLP.
On July 14, 2009, Fumo was sentenced to 55 months in prison, substantially below the sentencing guidelines of 11 to 14 years.Fumo was the ranking Democratic Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee until his federal indictment in February 2007
Fumo was assigned inmate number 62033-066 and ordered to report to Federal Correctional Institution Ashland, in Ashland, Kentucky, by August 31. According to one prison consultant who served time there, Ashland is "one of the nicer federal prisons", but as a newcomer Fumo will hold a very low position in the inmate pecking order.
http://www.campaignfinance.state.pa.us/CFReport.aspx?CFReportID=68963&Section=ID&StartRow=1&RowsPerPage=50
FRIENDS OF TOM CORBETT
Dilworth Paxson LLP
Philadelphia, PA 19103-759
Occupation: Law Firm
$2,500
Dilworth Paxson LLP
Philadelphia, PA 19103-759
Occupation: Law Firm
$500
Bruce J. Sarteschi
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Occupation: Director Human Resources
Employer: Office of the Attorney General
Harrisburg, PA 17120
$400
William A. Helm, Esquire
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Occupation: Attorney
Employer: PA Office of the Attorney General
Harrisburg, PA 17120
$500
Linda L. Kelly, Esquire
Pittsburgh, PA 15218-151
Occupation: Attorney
Employer: U S Department of Justice
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
$1,000
Malady & Wooten LLP
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Occupation: Government Relations Firm
$1,000
Donna L. Watson
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Occupation: Receptionist
Employer: Whistler Construction
Perryopolis, PA 15473
$1,000
Republican Future Fund
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 10/27/2008
$2,000
PA Future Fund PAC
Harrisburg, PA 17110
$20,000
Joseph A. Hardy, III
Eighty Four, PA 15330
Occupation: Businessman
Employer: Eighty Four Lumber
Eighty Four, PA 15330
Description: Air Transportion
$3,708.75
Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation State PAC
Harrisburg, PA 17109-174
Occupation:
Employer:
Description: Use of data
$3,780.00
If Steve Webb is such a bad guy (admitted perjurer, did political work on state time, destroyed evidence, etc.), why is he STILL employed by the House Dems. They fired Eric Webb, who has never been charged, but still have dozens and dozens of staffers who have admitted involvement up to their eyeballs on staff. Some have gotten big promotions. When Bill DeWeese kept those staffers on, no penalty, some promotions, etc., he did the wrong thing. He never cleaned up.
If Corbett charges DeWeese, it will be interesting to see how he proceeds against the original defendants with nothing but evidence that came entirely from DeWeese.
Well, look on the bright side. Blogs will probably still exist in 15 years when you get out of jail. You will always have this to fall back on.
IF THESE ARE CRIMES AND WEBB IS GUILTY, HOW ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT HIRED HIM?
Defense attorney Philip Ignelzi of Pittsburgh urged the jury not to believe Mr. Webb, calling him "an admitted perjurer. He has lied under oath before. He has broken the law. He did opposition research [digging up dirt on political foes] while on public time, while he was on the state payroll. That is a crime. That is stealing from the commonwealth."
Mr. Ignelzi also charged that Mr. Webb had obstructed justice by "destroying documents" related to the state's corruption investigation called Bonusgate. Mr. Ignelzi said Mr. Webb removed data from his own computer "and the computers of four or five other employees. That is a crime."
"Anonymous said...If Steve Webb is such a bad guy (admitted perjurer, did political work on state time, destroyed evidence, etc.), why is he STILL employed by the House Dems. They fired Eric Webb, who has never been charged, but still have dozens and dozens of staffers who have admitted involvement up to their eyeballs on staff. Some have gotten big promotions. When Bill DeWeese kept those staffers on, no penalty, some promotions, etc., he did the wrong thing. He never cleaned up. December 5, 2009"
9:46 AM"
Todd Eachus took over hired a bunch of people and still no reforms, not Deweese.
Dilworth Paxson is a fine Law Firm it employs Chris Casey, so cut the crap on thm too!
the idea of having the campaign committees repay the money to government and taxpayers from their own private funds is mentioned in one of these posts. Good idea. This money was used by some for their private purposes without benefit to taxpayers or to public and without authorization. HRCC owes taxpayers $10 million and HDCC owe at least 2 million and maybe more. John Perzel has substantial assets. He got rich from government.
Looks like Steve Webb was a DEMOCrat after all.
He was a rat to the very people that employed him, gave him his career, and and all he did was lie about the very people that fed him, guided him, and took care of him.
How shameful, even if you did break the law, you never tell on the ones that ordered it.
Thank God Pennsylvania does not have gun control and we are still able to shoot out computers within the confines of the Commonwealth.
Casa wrote:
Would allegations against current Leader Todd Eachus ever have seen the light of day if defendant Mike Veon hadn't included them in his massive motion for dismissal in July?
How dare you, everyone knows Todd Eachus added Dilworth Paxson to the HDCC so he would not be indicted.
There is no way Eachus is going to be indicted, he is too close top same Mobster that fund Corbett's Campaigns, just check out the cross funding.
In the words, of Todd Eachus those guys at Strawberry Square, said he is going to be ok, because Chris Casey is protecting him.
Rumor is additional charges against Veon are coming within weeks. Should have watched how you gathered your info.
All the darkness in the world cannot put out one small candle.
All I can say is Tom Corbett must be a living dynamo if he is able to find time to arrange and attend all these fund raisers , campaign for Governor, and investigate all the corruption in Harrisburg at the same time.
All of the comments on Webb's character might be relevant, if there weren't 30 or so others that know for a fact that Ramaley did nothing legislative.
" Anonymous said...
All of the comments on Webb's character might be relevant, if there weren't 30 or so others that know for a fact that Ramaley did nothing legislative.
December 5, 2009 9:03 PM"
REALLY??? 30 or so??? You want to name some names, because it doesn't even appear that there are that many witnesses...you would think they would want to put that info out there. Besides one of the government's witnesses already said he had legitimate responsibilities.
To Anonymous at 9:03 pm
That's interesting since an email was introduced in court in which Steve Webb was complaining about Sean Ramaley because Sean was doing legislative work in the Beaver Falls office and not campaign work!!!
The anonymouse contributor who said about the judges being at the root of all this knows what they are talking about. It seems that the judges wanted a pay raise and then their pensions would go up, too. That group that takes around the pink pig to all the teapot dome parties should fly it from the state courts building to remind the taxpayers that the court system is not better than the rest of the politicians in their acts of greediness and power
manipulation.
People should be remembering that in less than two months it will be time to file petitions for the primary election. They need to stop worrying what Tom Corbett and Specter and Meehan and Schenker and Toomey and Sanatorum and the rest are doing. They should be out recruiting candidates from every office on the ballot from committee person and state committee up to the U>S> Senator. If they are going to effect the change they have to BE THE CHANGE.
By way of point of information: all thinly challenged humans are reminded of the travel danger due to the kidnapping that exists in certain south American villages.
bob buzzgardi should realize that by the time the spotlight reaches the Senate it will not just illuminate Republicans but will also include Democrats, past and present.
Let's get off of Brett Cott. Get it straight, did he fall off the straight and narrow? is he straight but not narrow? or is he mellow and yellow or just another fellow? Inquiring minds want to know? where is the political paparazzi?
o
Oh ye of little faith. Can you imagine the technology that will be around in 15 years. A 15 year sentence merans 4 years and three months or less and then there is time out. So many politicians have found the Lord in jail. I am certain He would probably manifest in some form to a convicted politician. Maybe they will improve on all this techno and come up with a machine that will separate time into political, government, and private time. Four years...how many carbon credit's would that translate into. I feel a Peace Prize stirring in the wings...Hallelejuh. And Frankie LaGrotta gave up the priesthood to become a hoodlum.
Turn out the lights
The party’s over
They say that
All good things must end
Call it tonight
The party’s over
And tomorrow starts
The same old thing again
LETS BRIGHTEN THOSE LIGHTS AND SEPARATE THE CLOUDS FROM THE SUNSHINE.
Ramaley On Roxbury News Twitter:
Brubaker hired Stephen Webb in 03 and was his supervisor in leg research office. They liked his campaign background.
J. Brubaker is testifying about work assignments of Steve Webb. Webb is a star Bonusgate witness against Ramaley.
Brubaker unaware of any legislative work that Webb did after he was sent to Veon's office to help with Ramaley campaign.
J. Brubaker was director of research office, which prosecutors describe as a de facto campaign office.
J.Brubaker says S.Webb did campaign work while working in Veon office.
Former DeWeese Chief of Staff Mike Manzo now on stand. One of AGs star witnesses and another Bonusgate defendant.
Manzo: Veon told me to hire Ramaley as leg asst in district office because he needed income while he ran for office.
Manzo: After Ramaley won primary, Veon said 2 hire him at 1/2 pay of lawmaker cuz he was quitting job to run for office.
Manzo, I pled guilty to 9 felonies.
Veon-stay on Ramaley ass he needs to knock on more doors.
Evidence: Veon wrote email saying he would "integrate" his staff into Ramaley campaign effort.
Manzo: Veon wanted Webb to go out and help Ramaley with campaign because he had concerns about it. Manzo made it happen.
Manzo: S.Webb, who had been working on Ramaley campaign, said he was struggling financially. Said he needed $2,000.
Manzo-Veon approved Webb 2K bonus.
Veon gave it to him with memo saying it was for his legislative work on a uniform construction code.
Hmmmmnnn....seems like Manzo ran everything and worked with Veon more than anyone else, as based on his testimony, so it all depends how Manzo explained things to the Leadership in his own fashion, style, and views.
I can see how it is easy to come to conclusions that Manzo did things his way with Veon and all others kept in the dark on details.
This should help Todd Eachus very much! Along with Stetler!
I am not surprised by anything the partners of Dilworth Paxson law firm are connected with that is not on the up and up.
From someone who once saw the inner workings, I can honestly say it didn't leave a good impression on me. (and I was warned about them)
You know when an assistant's father dies and her immediate boss does not have the consideration to send a card or even have the courtesy to express sympathies to her about it, the people in charge there are less than human.
Post a Comment