Lincoln Blog

October 09, 2008:

When is somebody going to stick a fork in House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese? If his goose wasn't cooked before his former chief of staff Mike Manzo testified yesterday, it certainly is now.

To be fair, DeWeese hasn't been charged with any crime - at least not yet. He could be indicted in the next wave of charges to be brought in the Bonusgate scandal by Attorney General Tom Corbett. Certainly the chances of that happening went up dramatically with Manzo's testimony that DeWeese not only knew about the bonus-for-political work scam, but actually directed certain staffers be paid with tax dollars for having done political work. Again, DeWeese is neither charged nor convicted, but it doesn't take a crystal ball to see where this one is headed.

It remains inexplicable that DeWeese's colleagues are set to adjourn for the election recess today having not removed him from his leadership post. Even if DeWeese is not guilty and is never charged in Bonusgate, the fact such a scandal could be taking place right under his nose without his knowing about it is reason enough for him to be dumped.

To date, Bonusgate has only caught House Democrats in its net, although the House GOP could be called to account shortly after the election (and that is another story). That being the cause, you would think the House Democratic caucus would want to clean house before voters go to the polls next month to minimize the impact on their electoral changes. Out of fear, ineptitude, or a combination of both, the caucus has failed to act.

I am frequently tempted to portray state House Republicans under the timid leadership of Minority Leader Sam Smith and the continued behind-the-scenes intrigue of deposed former Speaker John Perzel as the most inept bunch to lead a legislative caucus in a long time. House Democrats though are giving them a run for their money when it comes to downright stupidity.

It appears a Democratic electoral tide is about to wash over Penn's woods. And, by all rights House Democrats should substantially increase their slim one-seat majority in the November election. But, by sitting back and allowing the DeWeese wound to fester they may be squandering an historic opportunity, in the process giving Republicans an opportunity they have neither earned nor deserve, and won't know what to do with if in fact they get it.

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