Corbett’s setback

This week saw the first of what could potentially end up being a series of political setbacks for Attorney General Tom Corbett’s gubernatorial aspirations, and illustrated more starkly than even before the political challenges inherent in his Bonusgate investigation.

It happened Thursday, when a judge dismissed some of the charges against former state Representative Mike Veon, the biggest fish Corbett has tried to fry in his crusade against Harrisburg corruption. Charges are dismissed all the time, but what really hurts Corbett was the judge’s ruling that prosecutors didn’t show Veon had committed a crime in the way a nonprofit tied to him spent money. The judge seemed to imply hastiness on the part of the Attorney General’s office.

Only time will tell if this is Corbett’s lone setback or just the first of many. His gubernatorial bid could significantly hinge on what happens next.

I reported last month on the political challenges inherent in Bonusgate. Check it out.