Local News

Corbett Weighs In As Investigation Continues

(KDKA) It's the worst political corruption scandal to hit Pennsylvania in quite some time.

Last week, State Attorney General Tom Corbett announced charges against a dozen people including former lawmaker Mike Veon for using taxpayer money for political campaigns.

Today, Corbett told KDKA Investigator Andy Sheehan in a one-on-one interview that it is time for a change.

Corbett said he actually got depressed investigating "Bonus Gate." But he says while people may find the news of the scandal depressing they must also demand change and accountability.

Veon, once a Harrisburg powerbroker, was arraigned last week, accused with a dozen others of marshalling more than a million dollars in public money for political ends.

"And that's what it came down to," said Corbett. "Tax dollars being used, we allege, for conducting a political campaign."

But Corbett says it's deeper than that; there was scoring system and big bonuses for top performers, bogus government contracts for political work and a salary and phony office for the mistress of one those charged.

Sheehan: "Doesn't this sound a clarion call for reform in the legislature?"

Corbett says, "I think the action and the fact that we're alleging that a campaign office was set up right in the capital in the number two leader's position within one of the caucuses cries out that the people need to take a look at how the work of the people is being done."

And yet, Corbett says, it's not good enough for critics of the legislatures to merely say I told you so.

Sheehan: "Don't people just throw up their arms and say, 'What's the use?'"

Corbett said, "Well, if they throw up their arms and say what's the use. They get what they deserve, quite honestly. They need to continue to go out there and fight."

Even though all of those charged are Democrats, Corbett, a Republican, who has been tabbed as a likely candidate for Governor, says this is not a political investigation.

Corbett says his office will go where the evidence leads without fear or favor. 

"I can't say that I will be bringing charges against anybody. We will file charges when we have the evidence," Corbett said. "We are looking at all for caucus, House Republicans, House Democrats, Senate Republics and Senate Democrats.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---