The scandal that started out as "Bonusgate" (because bonuses were allegedly paid to staffers for campaign work) and is now referred to as the the "legislative corruption investigation" has ensnared 25, including two former House Speakers (DeWeese and Rep. John Perzel) and three former state representatives. In the only trial so far, former Rep. Sean Ramaley was acquitted of corruption charges last week.
During this week's press conference, Corbett asked, "Why don't these people understand that there has to be a separation from the politics and the office?"
Perhaps, the answer to Corbett's question came from a former aide to DeWeese who told a grand jury that DeWeese said, "Everyone does it."
But do they? Is corruption and lack of integrity ingrained in Pennsylvania's political culture?
What do you think? Listen to Thursday's Radio Smart Talk for a discussion of integrity and honesty in government and in society as a whole.
Guests:
John Baer, Philadelphia Daily News columnist
Scott Detrow, Public Radio Capitol News
Dr. E. Fletcher McClellan, Professor of Political Science, Elizabethtown College
Laura Vecsey, political writer for the Patriot News
Resource Links:
John Baer - http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/john_baer/
Scott Detrow, http://www.witf.org/news/reporters-notebook
Dr. E. Fletcher McClellan, http://users.etown.edu/m/mcclelef/index.htm
Laura Vecsey - http://www.pennlive.com/columns/patriotnews/vecsey/
Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore? - http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/mrsmith/
LISTEN TO PROGRAM:
