Corbett’s ‘Bonusgate’ investigation comes with political promise—and peril

It’s the classic double-edged political sword. A tough prosecutor leads the biggest investigation of Harrisburg’s public corruption in recent memory, putting lawmakers and Capitol staffers under intense legal scrutiny and racking up indictments. He’s hailed by supporters as a man who can get public servants to actually serve the public. But lo and behold, the critics see it differently: He’s a political opportunist, they say, just setting himself up for the next election.

This is the situation state Attorney General Tom Corbett finds himself in, as he lays the groundwork for a gubernatorial campaign while still investigating the legislators he’d have to work with if he wins. As the only Republican to win a statewide election last year, Corbett is considered by many to be the early GOP front-runner. But there’s no doubt that “Bonusgate,” his investigation into legislative employees allegedly receiving bonuses for political work, will be the defining element of his campaign, with all the good and bad that goes with it.

April 20, 2009 at 10:43 am | Comments (1)

Knox prepared to spend millions on gubernatorial bid

PHILADELPHIA—Tom Knox spent more than $10 million from his own pocket on an unsuccessful run for mayor here in 2007. A couple years later, the wealthy Philadelphia businessman seems willing to spend a whole lot more to win the governor’s mansion.

In a recent interview with pa2010.com, Knox, a Democrat, said a successful gubernatorial run for a candidate of his profile would cost about $30 million; $15 million each for the primary and general elections. While he has high fundraising hopes, Knox said he would spend “whatever it takes” to win.

“I want to make sure that this time I’m a winner,” said Knox, who finished second in Philadelphia’s 2007 Democratic mayoral primary to eventual Mayor Michael Nutter.

April 19, 2009 at 6:19 pm | Comments (3)

The Wagner toss-up: Governor or Senate?

For months, Auditor General Jack Wagner’s name has been floating around political circles as a potential Democratic candidate for governor. Only thing is, his name’s been mentioned almost as often as a possible candidate for Senate.

So which one is it? Wagner fueled speculation in December when he told a reporter he was interested in both races. Whatever his eventual decision, it will have a profound impact on both races.

April 19, 2009 at 6:12 pm | Comments (0)

Wanted: Democrats for Lt. Gov.

The list of Republicans mulling a run for Lieutenant Governor reads like a GOP variety show, with more than a dozen candidates of every stripe lining up to play second fiddle to their party’s gubernatorial nominee. They include party mainstays, rising stars, political unknowns and everything in between.

But at this still-early stage, the Republicans are mostly alone in the field. Only one Democrat has said he is likely to run, and while others have been mentioned as viable, a deluge of Democratic candidates in to the race seems unlikely anytime soon.

So why are Democrats lukewarm to the contest?

April 19, 2009 at 6:10 pm | Comments (1)

Meehan on Fumo trial: ‘I would have loved to have been there’

PHILADELPHIA—Pat Meehan spent years trying to nail former state Senator Vince Fumo on corruption charges. But he never saw the finish line, at least not how he would have liked to.

Fumo, the longtime powerful Philadelphia Democrat, was

April 19, 2009 at 6:00 pm | Comments (0)