On Meehan, Corbett and Risperdal

As Philadelphians, we are always interested in hearing what is in store for Gov. Ed Rendell, our former two-term mayor. Today, like any other day in Philadelphia, the talk is of corruption.

And, as usual, weeding out corrupt politicians starts with Pat Meehan. Meehan sent a letter to likely opponent Tom Corbett , arguing that the Attorney General’s office should take over a high profile lawsuit between Jannsen Pharmaceuticals and the state. He contends that …

April 23, 2009 at 7:00 am | Comments (0)

Initial projections, left meaningless by the passage of time

Almost six months ago, I decided to go through the 2010 elections and make my first predictions. Although many candidates weren’t included that are now being mentioned or are officially in, here they are…

Tom Knox beats Tom Corbett for Governor

Joe Hoeffel over Bruce Castor for Lt. Governor

Arlen Specter over Chris Matthews for Senate

Now, obviously some of these things won’t happen since a majority of these candidates aren’t even in the races, …

April 22, 2009 at 11:54 am | Comments (1)

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)