If immunized prosecution witness Eric Webb is telling the truth, then John Estey, former Chief of Staff to Governor Edward G. Rendell, asked House Democratic staff to do opposition research on state time.
According to the Post-Gazette, "Mr. Webb testified that John Estey, former chief of staff to Gov. Ed Rendell, ordered opposition research to be conducted on 2006 Republican gubernatorial hopefuls Bill Scranton and Lynn Swann. Mr. Webb said that work was assigned to state workers who on state time had been digging up court filings, voting records and other material on political foes."
Estey apparently was far from unique. Prosecutors introduced as evidence an e-mail in which Rep. Mike Gerber asked Brett Cott for opposition research, and Cott forwarded the request to Webb. Incredibly, the e-mail was introduced as evidence against Cott, not Gerber.
Cott's facing felony charges for being the apparent middleman in this alleged transaction, and others like it. Webb was threatened with prosecution for being third in the line. Estey and Gerber, however, and the many other elected officials who allegedly relied on state employees to do political work, remain unscathed.
It's possible, of course, Eric Webb isn't telling the truth. He testified that political volunteerism soared in response to the alleged bonus scheme. Defense attorneys showed that the number of volunteers inched by just 31 people out of hundreds during the time of the alleged scheme.
Webb testified both that he knew his political work was wrong, and that he was completely baffled as to whether it was legitimate: "It would have been nice to have a lawyer on staff give some guidance," he said.
Estey vehemently denies Webb's accusation.
Whether he realizes it or not, Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Corbett faces a dilemma (or, he would, if anyone actually cared about his integrity): He must either admit his witness is a liar, or explain why Estey and Gerber aren't facing the same charges as Cott and Veon. After all, he swore to follow the evidence.
Is the following link proof that corruption didn't skip a beat in the Democratic Caucus? -- Why are PA taxpayers paying an average of $2.5 million/year for Todd Eachus' personal defense team since 2008?
ReplyDeleteNo question, the Defense has caught so far every one of Corbett’s OAG' Witnesses in not just lies, but also half lies.
ReplyDeleteThe big problem so far is that the OAG' Witnesses, who tells lies, merely hides the truth.
But the OAG' Witnesses who tells half-lies has forgotten where they put the truth.
Thus, the OAG' Witnesses actually have contradicted themselves and even worse outright proven that other OAG Witnesses have lied for their own personal greed to date in this trial.
Why?
Because Corbett Professional Prosecutors, Investigators, and Criminal Trial Staffers were trying to follow, the evidence based on their interpretations of what is and is not illegal as far as campaigning and constituent service?
Hard enough to prove when you define it on your own terms, not on reality?
Then the Professional prosecutors have been overruled by Corbett himself listening to his Campaign Staffers for how Corbett will become Governor.
Corbett’s Campaign Strategy is live for the present to become elected and let the prosecutors die for the future for their failures of will and values.
CasablancaPA is right on, if all of evidence must be followed from Grand Juries as presented, than many more should have been investigated, charged, and brought to justice over the last 3 years.
If the OAG will not pursue true justice, the greatest griefs for the OAG are those the OAG is causing within them.
Corbett is now caught between the crossfire’s of his own making.
What the Professional Prosecutors thought they were doing was for the good of the Commonwealth, and the by-product was for the good of Corbett's campaign for Governor.
However, fortunately our Commonwealth always manages to survive zealots like them, when campaign goals supersede justice.
Corbett by misusing the justice system to become Governor has committed bigger and more serious crimes than anything charged to the defendants.
So far, I've seen things here that I could never possibly have imagined, and I've got a pretty broad imagination.
The Attorney General and his entire Office forgot that he should strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
ReplyDeleteThe Republicans and Corbett's Campaign acknowledge opportunities when they see them and they do not throw away God's blessing, but this is not from God, but created for a campaign.
There may be honor among thieves but there's none in politicians like Corbett and please let's have no displays of indignations.
We all have heard of the habitual criminal, of course. But I never dreamed I'd see Corbett keep doing the habitual crime, against his political opponents.
The whole thing is a con game but you can't bluff someone who's not paying attention and the jurors are not paying attention anymore.
Why the Veon, Cott, Keefer and Rosepink should be penalized for the Attorney General's unfairness and incompetence’s, is beyond God.
The Attorney General's duty and job is not to engage into politics, but that is exactly what he has been doing all along.
The longer this travesty of Trial is going on, it smells and what is that smell?
ReplyDeleteThe AG Office is creating a hostile environment.
If there is a politician higher than Corbett on the political food chain, they had better be careful, if Corbett suddenly loses all respect and starts prosecuting all wholesale.
The only thing that can stop it is Veon's Defense Team and the Public outcry of what they are seeing at Trial.
There will be no rescue, no intervention for the Defendants for Corbett's Campaign.
Many of you know influential people within the state. You must call these people. You must tell them what will happen.
This tyranny will continue after Corbett becomes Governor and then appoints his own Attorney General.
HMMMNNN, GUESS WHO HIRED AND SUPERVISED MARY BETH BUCHANAN??? AS US ATTORNEY...NONE OTHER THAN ATTORNEY GENERAL TOM CORBETT.
ReplyDeleteREAD AND BELIEVE HOW HE OPERATES BASED ON HOW SHE OPERATED?
Buchanan, Wecht spat makes for mega hurts on radio:
Talk show buzzes as candidate calls, clashes with host
Friday, February 19, 2010
By Timothy McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Opponents of former U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan's brand-new congressional bid said her failed federal corruption case against Cyril H. Wecht would become a thorny issue in the race.
In her very first day as an official candidate for the District 4 seat, she made sure it did.
Ms. Buchanan called into KDKA-AM on Thursday morning to complain about claims on the Marty Griffin show about the cost of the federal case, and while doing so told Mr. Griffin he was "running afoul" of defamation law and to "shut up."
After her bid became official Wednesday, she released a statement that said she was concerned about "out of control spending" in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Wecht, the former Allegheny County coroner and local Democratic Party chair, seized on that in a call to Mr. Griffin's morning show, claiming that the two-year federal case against him -- which Ms. Buchanan dropped in 2008 -- cost taxpayers $20 million.
She called the show after Dr. Wecht left the air, saying that figure was "wildly exaggerated" and Mr. Griffin was trying to "distort my record."
"You repeat [the $20 million figure] and that is just flat-out wrong," Ms. Buchanan said. "And you know, we still have defamation laws in this country.
To the extent that you keep repeating things that are flat-out wrong, you're running afoul.
That case could not have cost the government more than $500,000 and that's on the outside."
"So you're saying you're going to sue me, is that what you're saying Mary Beth?," Mr. Griffin asked.
After some back and forth Mr. Griffin asked if she would provide the salaries of the prosecutors and staffers on the case.
"You'll provide the cost of all the documentation for that case? Are you going to answer my question?"
"I am answering your question if you would shut up and let me talk," she responded.
"This is how you're going to run, telling people to shut up and threatening them with lawsuits?"
"Listen, if you want the facts I'm here to give them to you," she said. "If you want to hear yourself talk, then why do you even invite people to come on and become guests?"
Ms. Buchanan later promised to go on the show live next week, but would not provide salary information for the case, saying it was private.
Dr. Wecht, reached later in the day, responded,
"For her -- a lawyer -- to make that kind of [defamation] threat tells you something about her character, her sense of propriety and so on," Dr. Wecht said.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10050/1036998-67.stm#ixzz0fyuI9oU9
YOU GO CASA. RIGHT ON POINT!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...Is the following link proof that corruption didn't skip a beat in the Democratic Caucus? -- Why are PA taxpayers paying an average of $2.5 million/year for Todd Eachus' personal defense team since 2008?...February 19, 2010 2:55 AM
ReplyDeleteI doubt Todd Eachus will be charged at all, he represented by Dilworth Paxson and the Casey’s, they will not want him removed from the HDC leadership position.
The Democrats have been irreparable damaged for quite awhile, not just with these Guilty Pleas.
Also due to President Obama and Democratic congress and senate poor performance with the economy and misdirected agenda, that has upset the nation.
Besides Todd Eachus is the best thing that could happen to the Republicans.
Under Eachus Leadership, the Democrats will remain a second rate party and why would Republicans want to change it?
Eachus could not solve the budget crisis even with the Governor and House Majority. Eachus and McCall went on bended knees to the Republicans demands.
Tom Corbett would prefer to be Governor and have things on Eachus anyway; it will make his governing easier.
The only hope is to have Veon and Team acquitted. Once Veon is acquitted or a Hung Jury, there will be no more charges.
AG Corbett's Campaign Advisers do not want any more publicity; they got enough to win the election.
The Democrats have let the Republicans walk all over them, in these cases and investigations, in fear they will be implicated.
There is no Democratic Leadership anymore, just pawns and prays they stay in office.
Only Zappala can impact on Corbett's Governor Race and they most likely cut a deal with Corbett.
Veon winning may be a game changer, but even with a win, Democratic Leadership led by Todd Eachus, is hopeless.
Right...EVERYBODY that testifies is lying...all 40 or 50 witnesses are lying...poor, poor Mike Veon...next thing you know, the lemmings on this site will be saying that Corbett snuck into the House chamber and pulled Mike's voting lever TWICE to keep his payraise...and poor, poor Brett Cott...being labeled a political operative...he has so many legislative accomplishments!...it's just that no one can remeber any...darn.
ReplyDeleteHave you been paying attention? Every witness so far has admitted lying, and has been caught in their lies. And each has testified that the others have lied. And why wouldn't they lie? Every witness who's testified so far has had something to gain by following Tom Corbett's instructions. Every witness has a plea or immunity deal.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDelete...he has so many legislative accomplishments!...it's just that no one can remeber any...darn.
Did I miss something? When did the defense start presenting its case? Oh, wait, that's right - they haven't. So how do you know what people can remember when they haven't even started testifying?
Q How can you put a price tag on justice? A. First you have to find it.
ReplyDeleteIf the Taxpayers of Pennsylvania are paying $2.5 million a year for Todd Eachus' personal defense team, then they are being ripped of!! There is no justice to be found in Pennsylvania these days!! When do the taxpayers get their rebate??
ReplyDeleteOnce again, the AG Prosecutors are on their 6th Witness and still, no evidence Mike Veon ever directed them to do wotrk on State Time???
ReplyDeletePJ Lavelle:
"On cross examination this morning, Mr. Lavelle admitted that he destroyed evidence because he was afraid he would be arrested after the bonus scheme was uncovered in a series of news stories in 2007. "I was afraid what I did was wrong," he said.
"He testified that Mr. Veon never told him to destroy evidence and never indicated to him that he would get a bonus for doing campaign work."
"He said Mr. Veon did direct him to send out campaign mailings and perform other political tasks, but never indicated that he should do it during work hours."
And these first 6 Witnesses were actually the best the OAG had against Mike Veon!
Go Mike, Brett, Steve, and Annamarie!
The only people wasting Taxpayers Dollars is Tom Corbett and the OAG.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...Right...EVERYBODY that testifies is lying...all 40 or 50 witnesses are lying...poor, poor Mike Veon...next thing you know, the lemmings on this site will be saying that Corbett snuck into the House chamber and pulled Mike's voting lever TWICE to keep his payraise...and poor, poor Brett Cott...being labeled a political operative...he has so many legislative accomplishments!...it's just that no one can remeber any...darn....February 19, 2010 10:44 AM
ReplyDeleteWell, AG Corbett's Prosecutors Witnesses, with Guilty pleas and Immunity, have admitted under oath they were caught lying, why does that upset you?
Corbett's staffers and campaign people have been lying too, and guided the Grand Jury on these charges.
Now all of a sudden you are upset they cannot prove what they created in the Grand Jury rooms?
Corbett will win convictions when he investigates and prosecutes his close friend Bob Jubelrier, Joan Melvin Orie, and Senators Jane Orie and Ward!
Oh, forgive me, Corbett's 800 strong crack staff has yet to investigate his fellow Republican Senators in the majority for over 3 years?
And you say, Mike Veon is lying?
when all of teh OAG Witnesses so far have said mike Never ordered them to break any laws at anytime on state time!!!
If the truth hurts ask the OAG why they did not disclose it to the Grand Juries?
Or better yet, ask Corbett's Campaign Staffers?
"Anonymous said...he has so many legislative accomplishments!...it's just that no one can remeber any...darn. Did I miss something? When did the defense start presenting its case? Oh, wait, that's right - they haven't. So how do you know what people can remember when they haven't even started testifying?...February 19, 2010 11:47 AM"
ReplyDeleteMike and Team Casa may not have to put on their Defense just like Cyril Wecht, so far, the Corbett's OAG has not carried the Burden of Proof that Mike Veon broke any laws?
If and when the Defense does put on their case, I would not want to be the OAG Professional Staffers...there are surprises yet to come, and Corbett will not like what happens when it happens.
"Anonymous said...Q How can you put a price tag on justice? A. First you have to find it... February 19, 2010 12:01 PM"
ReplyDeleteCorbett and his Campaign Staff will find it, just make it up, as they did at the Grand Juries.
Tommy Corbett's OAG looks as impotent as Mike Manzo does!
Maybe they will need Medical and Psychological Attention if it keeps going this way?
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteQ How can you put a price tag on justice? A. First you have to find it.
February 19, 2010 12:01 PM
Sure you can, it is called a Republican Campaign!
"Anonymous said...he has so many legislative accomplishments!...it's just that no one can remeber any...darn. Did I miss something? When did the defense start presenting its case? Oh, wait, that's right - they haven't. So how do you know what people can remember when they haven't even started testifying?
ReplyDeleteDoesn't matter...anyone, and I mean anyone, that worked in the Caucus while Brett was there know's he didn't do a lick of legislative work...not one iota.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDelete"Anonymous said...he has so many legislative accomplishments!...it's just that no one can remeber any...darn. Did I miss something? When did the defense start presenting its case? Oh, wait, that's right - they haven't. So how do you know what people can remember when they haven't even started testifying?
Doesn't matter...anyone, and I mean anyone, that worked in the Caucus while Brett was there know's he didn't do a lick of legislative work...not one iota...
February 19, 2010 2:16 PM
Well, based on hearing PJ Lavelle Testimony, I can tell you, i never heard so many "I DON'T KNOWS" for someone that was suppose to be Prep by the OAG Prosecutors.
Looks like the Prosecutors on the Taxpayers Dime, did not do one lick of preparation...not one iota!
Or maybe they just do not have a case?
Onward Christian Campaigners!
Corbett, he was,
ReplyDeleteA powerful man,
With the OAG,
In the palm of his hand,
To all intents and purposes he,
Was the Commonwealth with a capital C,
Whatever he did,
He was showered with praise,
If he cracked a joke,
Then his staff chortled for days,
No-one had rights or a,
Vote to indict but him,
In fact you might say,
He was fairly right-wing,
When Corbett’s around,
Lawmakers and Staff got down on the ground
If you ever find yourself near Corbett’s pleads
You better get down on your knees
A Corbett’s story,
A Governor’s story
A Corbett’s story,
A Governor’s story
Down at the other,
End of the scale,
Democrats & Mike Veon still
Trying To avoid doing time in jail,
For even though he is,
Armed with Legal Counsel
A liftime in prison
Seems quite on the cards
But if our analysis of
The position is right
At the end of the tunnel
There's seems a glimmer of light
For all of a sudden
Indescribable things
Have shattered the sleep
Of both Prosecutors within the OAG
Strange as it seems,
There's been a run of crazy schemes
And the lawyers who can interpret
Could go far - could become stars
Could be famous,
Could be a big success
Could be famous,
Could be a big success
Strange as it seems
There's been a
Run of crazy Witness screams
From State Witnesses
With Their own crazy OAG Schemes
And the lawyers who can interpret
Could go far
Could become stars
Could be famous,
Could be a big success
Could be famous,
Could be a big success
Strange as it seems
There's been a
Run of crazy OAG schemes
And a man who can interpret
Could go far
Ah
Could become a star
Could be famous,
Could be a big success
Could be famous,
Could be a star