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Dems & Gerlach not convinced Corbett has sealed the deal

Some have argued that Tom Corbett has buried critics who charge he is making political gain out of his prosecution of state lawmakers and legislative aides. Corbett’s indictment of 10 Republicans last week was “the answer” to the 12 Dems arrested in 2008, this logic goes.

End of story on partisan politics, maybe, but not the end of charges of conflict-of-interest and political gain. On Monday, Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney told The Patriot-News that Corbett should not measure the drapes of the Governor’s Mansion too soon.

“At the end of the day, there’s little tolerance for public officials who did wrong, but people also get spurred to action when they believe someone’s freedom was used as a bargaining chip,” Rooney said.

“If it’s proven or shown that there was a political calculus behind this, there will be a tremendous price to pay,” he added. “Anyone who thinks that story is written and closed is mistaken. There are many pitfalls. Sometimes your greatest strength can become your greatest liability.

Rooney also said that state Democratic Party insiders are more afraid of having the Democratic nominee facing Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) in the governor’s race.

Gerlach has experience, a voting record and a history of tough races, which is part of the reason why Gerlach seems unfazed that Corbett has the headlines now courtesy of Bonusgate.

“I am very determined, as I declared in July, about taking my experience and my record to the people,” Gerlach said Monday. “I would imagine that [Democrats] would make that comment about me because I am battle-tested. They spent $7 million against me in one of the most contested races in the country.”

Gerlach continues to call into question Corbett’s role as prosecutor during a statewide election.

“I have not criticized the investigation,” he said. “He needs to go where the evidence takes him. But I have commented on my serious concern that he has a very significant conflict of interest. How can you prosecute by day and fund raise in those same circles by night?”

As for whether Rooney will get to swing away at Corbett during a general election campaign or face Gerlach? The congressman will not give over to the perception that Corbett is the defacto nominee.

“The average rank-and-file voter doesn’t care want a few party insiders do to clear the field for an anointed candidate,” Gerlach said. “We’re going to provide them a choice of a candidate who has better ideas and experience.”

November 17, 2009 at 8:00 am

--Laura Vecsey

Tags: Bonusgate, Jim Gerlach, Tom Corbett

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