We're not sure how he managed it, but Tom Corbett has earned the reputation of a dragon-slayer without so much as stepping on a salamander's tail.
Just a few of the latest examples:
Delco Times: "The “Bonusgate” scandal was the most recent [instance of corruption], with political leaders handing out some $4 million in taxpayers’ money to legislative staffers to work on political campaigns."
Philadelphia Daily News: "...the Tom Corbett who, as attorney general, brought down 22 legislators in the Bonusgate scandal ... "
Patriot-News: Tom Corbett as Pennsylvania attorney general brought down some of the most powerful lawmakers in the state.
As these organization are well aware, whese characterization are blatantly false. Why they're willingly participating in Tom Corbett's campaign of misinformation, we have no idea.
Who are the "political leaders" accused of handing out bonuses for campaign work? Who are the "22 legislators" or "powerful lawmakers" whom Corbett "brought down?" They don't exist. They are figments of the media's imagination.
Mike Veon, the only elected official or former elected official to be charged in connection with awarding bonuses, was not even in office when he was indicted. His own constituents must take the credit for "bringing him down" after denying him relection - largely because of his refusal to repudiate his pay raise vote - two years before Corbett indicted him.
John Perzel, who has yet to face trial, similarly was deposed of his leadership post by his colleagues in the House Republican Caucus three years before Corbett indicted him. Furthermore, the pace and timing of the investigation of Perzel & Co. clearly shows Corbett originally had no intention of indicting any Republicans at all.
Sean Ramaley, the only sitting lawmaker among the original indictments, (and but for negative publicity, the only one, period.) was a rank-and-file sophomore who was not accused of any bonus-related crimes. He also just happened to be the Democrat running in a competitive state state Senate race at the time. He was acquitted of all charges, but his prosecution was a victory for Team Corbett nonetheless. Ramaley was forced to withdraw from the Senate race, which went to Republican Elder Vogel Jr.
Bill DeWeese, the only defendant who was a legislative leader at the time of his indictment, also has yet to face trial and was not charged with any bonus-related crimes. In fact, he would have escaped criminal charges completely if not for media reports exposing his culpability in bonuses and other caucus-wide scandals. Yet he was not charged in these episodes, and evidence obtained by prosecutors through "negotiation" with DeWeese was used to indict DeWeese's staffers and underlings. As for whether he's been "brought down," last we heard he was reelected and still is clucking away on the House floor, trying his best to excoriate for the record the prosecutor and prosecution he once praised (he called the day of the original indictments "the greatest day of my life.") Hypocritical as his attempts to condemn Corbett are, that he was gaveled down and denied permission to speak is even more offensive.
By charging as many staffers as possible connected to as few actual lawmakers as possible, Corbett created the illusion of cleaning House when he merely kicked a few dust bunnies under the rug.
By the numbers:
Sitting lawmakers indicted by Corbett on any corruption charges: 3
Lawmakers, past or present, accused of awarding bonuses for political work: 1
Legislative leaders indicted by Corbett: 1
Legislative leaders "brought down" by Corbett's indictments: 0
Total number of lawmakers, past or present, indicted by Corbett on any corruption charges: 6
Good Article, Corbett is still allowing Mike Manzo to lobby without sentencing Manzo with a deal worked out by Corbett Chief of Staff Ward that represents Rachael Manzo who keeps her pension.
ReplyDeleteThe Manzo will say anything to anyone even under oath to protect Corbett.
Corbett promised Manzo would be sentenced two years ago but Manzo is making a great salary lobbying right now.
This is called Corbett Justice, wait until Corbett is called up fr same offenses when he ran for Governor.
Manzo should be sentenced not given the right to make millions under Corbett Justice.
The citizens of Pennsylvania should have known how Republicans Senators that must approve of Linda Kelly Appointment as Attorney General is going to investigate the senators now, as part of Tom Corbett legacy of deceit, favoritism, and injustice?
ReplyDeleteThankfully, at least we've established there was absolutely no corruption in the State Senate. That the AG's office could find. Exclduding Orie, of course, which a local DA brought. And Musto. And Fumo. And Mellow. Which were all federal.
ReplyDeleteWhen the heck is Eachuus dealt with? Didn't he get a target letter, which is usually right before charges, like 2 years ago?
ReplyDeleteThe rumor is Corbett lacked the Spine to investigate and indicted Republican Senators so they are checking if he has one?
ReplyDeleteCorbett to have back surgery
Friday, May 13, 2011
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Gov. Tom Corbett will have back surgery Monday morning at Allegheny General Hospital for treatment of spinal stenosis, according to a news release from the governor's office this afternoon.
The surgery, which the governor's office describes as "a routine procedure," will require the governor to stay in the hospital for one or two days. The procedure will be performed by orthopedic spinal specialist Dr. Mark A. Fye and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick J. DeMeo.
The news release said Mr. Corbett is expected to resume his duties on Tuesday while he is recuperating at his Shaler home. He expects to return to Harrisburg by next Friday.
Under the state constitution, Lt. Gov. James Cawley will serve as acting governor while Mr. Corbett is under general anesthesia.
The news release describes the governor's condition as "a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in a compression of nerves, which leads to persistent pain and decreased physical activity. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the natural aging process. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage."
The release said Mr. Corbett, 61, who recently underwent a series of medical tests in preparation for the surgery, is otherwise considered to be in excellent health.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11133/1146336-100.stm#ixzz1MIGLJsYA
Anonymous said... When the heck is Eachuus dealt with? Didn't he get a target letter, which is usually right before charges, like 2 years ago? May 13, 2011 4:22 PM
ReplyDeleteDo not worry Linda Kelly the handpicked successor was chosen by Corbett to continue the investigations even those that include the Republican Senators that approved her appointment....she is on the case.
It took Corbett 6 years now but none of those investigated have been forgotten, he brings it up when he wants to gut Teacher Unions, Land, Water, and Programs for those that cannot afford HealthCare!
CORporations For BETTer Pennsylvania.
Anonymous said... Thankfully, at least we've established there was absolutely no corruption in the State Senate. That the AG's office could find. Exclduding Orie, of course, which a local DA brought. And Musto. And Fumo. And Mellow. Which were all federal. May 13, 2011 4:21 PM
ReplyDeleteSenator Jane Orie was going to be found innocent of all charges until Judge Manning took it upon himself to declare forgeries that Ray Charles could see, except the United States Secret Service could not prove they were forgeries.
I guess Judge Manning did not trust the Jury selected to determine it on their own?
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said... Thankfully, at least we've established there was absolutely no corruption in the State Senate. That the AG's office could find. Exclduding Orie, of course, which a local DA brought. And Musto. And Fumo. And Mellow. Which were all federal. May 13, 2011 4:21 PM
Senator Jane Orie was going to be found innocent of all charges until Judge Manning took it upon himself to declare forgeries that Ray Charles could see, except the United States Secret Service could not prove they were forgeries.
I guess Judge Manning did not trust the Jury selected to determine it on their own?
May 13, 2011 11:37 PM
Thanks for the radical shift in topics on this one...must be the Orie defense team. Other than the defense team, not sure where you get the idea that an aquittal was imminent. After reading the transcript of a radio interview the jury foreman gave, I think she was on the sinking ship. At the very best she could hope for, maybe a hung jury on some charges, but that mistrial (no matter how her team tries to spin it) was the biggest benefit to her. I just wonder if she knew it was going to happen that way. Did the Angel Lady tell her to rest easy, that a delayed outcome was coming to save her???
The press definitely needs to stop carrying his water. Had Corbett truly been interested in justice, we taxpayers could have recouped a significant chunk of that bogus bonus money, and we could have had solid proposals to reform our government. Instead, we're left without our taxpayer funds and with a new breed of hacks to replace the old hacks. Smith and Turzai replaced Perzel, Eachus took over for DeWeese, and the Senate was completely ignored/protected from Corbett's assault. And using the power of the AGs office to ruin someone's career just to steal a Senate seat to increase the R's grip on power is a new low. How un-democratic can you get? How the media can try to justify that nonsense is insanity. Of course, it is in that insanity that the media realizes they need to embellish, exaggerate and flat out lie to protect this hack Governor and his faux investigation which the media rode hard to try to promote their own interests.
ReplyDeleteToo bad Mrs. Corbett is now crying in her soup within the Governor's Mansion about her Husband Tom Corbett.
ReplyDeleteThe bottom line is, reality has not hit her yet, and she has no choice but to defend Corbett, but she needs to look at the record.
1. Tom Corbett committed the same crimes he has charged other Public Servants when he sought Campaign Donations from many people of high repute that will testify or cooperate with any FBI Investigation. This needs investigated and it will end Corbett's Term, not since Richard Nixon did someone misuse then laws while breaking the laws.
2. Corbett's actions as proven in the Kimmett case of permitting millions of Tax Dollars with Interests being held by his No-Bid Collection Agency Donors and firing Kimmett when he should fired Campaign Staffers from Senators he was suppose to be investigated.
3. Cut Health Care to those that have life threatening diseases and could acquire Health Care otherwise, was just cruel and uncaring.
4. Cut Education in all areas that will result in hurting children and
forcing huge local taxes increases.
5. Yet, Corbett refuses to tax Marcellus Shale that is operated by some of the largest income producing companies in the world, not a new industry.
Mrs. Corbett you want your husband to be respected start telling to respect ways to drop political prosecution misconduct, stop dumping on sick and children, and start telling his corporate friends to pay their fair share and still make a huge profits, in a the only state that does not tax them.
5.
Here is a great article on that further explains the motions filed by Attorney Joshua Locke who is defending former Representative Steve Stetler and Representative Brett Feese with Dauphin County Judge Richard A. Lewis.
ReplyDeleteThe motions accuse Attorney General Tom Corbett of using office staff and state office resources for campaign purposes.
Apparently the defense feels that Corbett violated the same law that Corbett is using to convict state lawmakers and their staff.
At first I thought the motions were just a defense tactic but apparently after reading this article I think they have some teeth.
Lock's argument is not the same one made by prior Bonusgate defendants, said Michael Palermo, the lawyer for Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink, who was convicted of corruption charges along with Veon.
It's stronger, Palermo said, front-loaded with bits of evidence he and other defense attorneys hoped to elicit from witnesses at trial. That didn't happen because Lewis didn't allow the testimony. Lock has put his allegations on paper, forcing the court to confront them.
But Stetler and Feese go further than the Veon defendants had, Palermo said, when they allege the Attorney General's office has staffers doing campaign work on state time -- a common charge against Bonusgate defendants.
"When I read it, I was jealous," Palermo said. "This is a fully developed motion . . . Our motion was a grain of sand -- Josh Lock's is the beach." (York Daily Record)
Corbett's office is saying that everything related to campaign activity has been above board and all of these allegations against Corbett had been made before in previous cases, but the details of the motions filed by Lock suggest differently.
According to court documents, apparently Corbett hired three former campaign staffers to work for the Attorney General's office.
One of the staffers was Brian Nutt who worked for the Corbett campaign in 2004 and 2008. Nutt is now Corbett's campaign manager.
Apparently staffers would take "Leaves Of Absences" to work on Corbett's campaigns and then return and work for Corbett in the Attorney General's Office.
Lock is suggesting nine Attorney General employees were given "Comp" time,"flex" time, or their own time to work for Corbett's campaign.
All of this seems a little fishy to me. Like I said before the more you research Corbett's political career the more questions arise!
Lookis like Corbutt as elected, will turn out to be even more corrupt than Spendell?
ReplyDeleteWhat really needs investigated is the accusation that Corbett kept these people in a cushy (and probably do-nothing) AG staff job until they were needed for the campaign, then gave them a leave of absence.
That's a BIG difference, and exactly the same things mention in Corbett's Grand Jury Presentments and quite frankly the same things they convicted Veon, Cott and Rosepink on with later regrets from the Jury thinking they would be given a fair sentence.
This is why many of the charges have to be applied to Corbett's Campaign or dropped as Ethical violations to save Corbett in the future from going to jail.
These are Ethical Violations.
When will PA debate a "resign-to-run" law to prohibit public officials from serving in one office while running for another?
ReplyDeleteCorbett seems to be unaware and unconcerned that after five years of investigations, trials and pleas, lawmakers have not enacted a single law to make sure that has now cost taxpayers more than $10 million according to some estimates, will not happen again.
How can senators under Investigations approve of Linda Kelly as Attorney General with her first duty is continue to investigate the senators?
New laws, plus better enforcement of existing laws, can raise citizen confidence and show that lawmakers are determined to repair the conspicuous problems with state government.
Now they seem to be biding their time before reverting to the culture of corruption that allowed the Bonus Scandal in the first place.
Yet, when Corbett campaigned his dual roles as both attorney general and gubernatorial candidate, Corbett never once recommended new laws to prevent a repeat of the Bonus Scandal and to campaign for a Constitution convention where citizens can decide for themselves how to alter and reform their government.
He has done neither.