Checking the Balance

Happy Veterans Day

 

Happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country.

You protect our freedom with the courage, dedication and sacrifice you exhibit on a daily basis. 

Thank you for all that you've done and continue to do.

Short-term memory loss

The Patriot News says PA lawmakers have already forgotten the lessons "learned" from the 101 day budget impasse.

A full month has passed since Gov. Ed Rendell signed the overdue, less-than-perfect budget on Oct. 9.

Already apathy has set in.

The Legislature and governor still have unfinished budget business, enacting table games legislation, but again, a sense of urgency is missing.

This time, as we noted Sunday, Pennsylvania’s four state-related schools are being held hostage. Legislators refuse to release student financial aid grant money until table games are signed and delivered.

What’s also been missing is any push for real reform.

The public lost what little faith it had in the Legislature after the 101-day standoff that nearly bankrupted day care centers and senior citizen services.

Public approval ratings of the governor and Legislature fell to an all-time low since Franklin & Marshall College started polling Pennsylvanians in 1995.

There were token attempts in late September and early October to set up a new budget framework.

Bills were introduced that would force legislators to stand for re-election if the budget is not passed on time or suspend their pay for every day past June 30 the state doesn’t have a budget.

Another bill would mandate that if there is no new state budget by July 1, then the prior year’s budget (or 80 percent of it) would carry over. That would prevent the delayed payment issues we experienced this year.

The Patriot-News has openly backed the “no budget, no pay” idea, but we acknowledge that any of these bills would help ensure the legislators do their constitutional duty on time and share the pain if they don’t.

But there has been no action on any of these proposals. They languish in committees.

A month later, the Legislature has not learned from any of its mistakes. College students are being left out in the cold, and too few legislators are brave enough to push for real reform in the budget process.

When will our lawmakers start catering to Pennsylvania's needs instead of their own?

It seems the only way we can stop this vicious cycle of broken promises and incompetence is by voting new people in. 

Then again, even if we vote new people in, it will probably end up being the same posturing and empty gestures, just with new faces.

Awesome...

The GOP's favorite son

PA2010.com reports on the PA Republican Party taking over gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett's payroll.

The state Republican Party has been handling administration of Tom Corbett’s campaign payroll, helping him defray some costs of his gubernatorial bid in the clearest indication yet that the Attorney General is the party’s preferred candidate, according to interviews and campaign finance data.

The party itself is not footing the bill for Corbett’s primary campaign against Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6). Rather, the Corbett campaign has given the party’s state campaign committee tens of thousands of dollars dating back to earlier this year, which the party has then used to pay salary to Corbett’s campaign staff. There is nothing particularly unusual about the process, sometimes called “funneling,” which in this case allows Corbett’s campaign to forgo the administrative costs of paying a staff.

But coming months before a nominee is chosen in the primary and before party officials have made a formal endorsement, it underscores the GOP’s belief that Corbett, not Gerlach, is its best chance to win back the Governor’s Mansion after 8 years. The arrangement, confirmed by Republican officials, was not brought to pa2010.com’s attention by the Gerlach campaign.

This revelation should pretty much put to rest any question surrounding the GOP's preferred candidate.

Who doesn't love rampant speculation?

John Micek thinks this week may finally be the week AG Tom Corbett drops his next set of Bonusgate charges.

We hope you like some rampant speculation to go with your Wheaties, because the talk is that this week will finally be THE WEEK that Attorney General Tom Corbett charges Republicans is running at a fever pitch.

This is all fueled, of course, by last week's twin resignations of House Republican counsel, and ex-House Republican Campaign Committee honcho, Brett Feese, of Lycoming County, and Al Bowman, a veteran House GOP aide, last seen hereabouts doing work for the House GOP Policy Committee.

Then, of course, there was also last week's story in the Post-Gazette postulating that Rep. John M. Perzel of Philadelphia, the former state House Speaker, might also soon face a grand jury presentment in the long-running Capitol soap opera that we've come to think of as "All My Bonusgates," or, alternately, as "Days of Our Bonusgates."

Whether or not this will actually happen, of course, is anyone's guess. But the Capitol is a palace of government, and what self-respecting palace isn't rife with a little intrigue? 

Micek isn't alone.  The Patriot News' Charles Thompson believes charges against Republicans are right around the corner.

Is it the Republicans' turn?

Some 16 months after a wave of charges were filed against a dozen House Democratic members and senior staffers, signs suggest Attorney General Tom Corbett's prosecutors might be nearing the end of a second stage of their investigation of legislative operations.

In the last two weeks, former Speaker John Perzel, R-Philadelphia, his longtime chief of staff, Brian Preski, Republican Chief Counsel Brett Feese and about a dozen others were invited to testify -- without immunity -- before the grand jury taking testimony on the case.

Few, if any, took that opportunity.

Perzel and Preski were key GOP leaders during the party's time in the House majority earlier this decade. Control of the 203-seat chamber always hinged on just a few seats during that period, and leaders of both parties looked for just about every edge in efforts to win seats.

The question appears to be: Did leaders and their subordinates cross the line when it came to using their state resources for political or personal benefit?

"I'm of course concerned about the possibility that John Perzel will be charged," said Walter Cohen, a Harrisburg lawyer who's represented Perzel during the grand-jury investigation. But if that happens, Cohen said he expects a fight. 

So, do you think this will be the week Corbett finally unveils a new set of charges?

I think there's a pretty good chance...

Catering to the VIPs

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on how lobbyists impacted Pennsylvania's budget.  I'll give you a hint; it involves large sums of money.

When it became clear that the state budget was in crisis mode, three industries with much at stake in Harrisburg opened their wallets.

Gambling interests, natural-gas drillers, and tobacco companies have since January spent more than $4.5 million combined on lobbying efforts, according to expense reports filed last week with the state.

Those industries were among the few winners in a budget ravaged by the recession.

Casinos are poised to introduce poker and other newly legalized table games. Natural-gas drillers and tobacco companies fought off new taxes.

Six-figure lobbying campaigns are not new in Pennsylvania's capital. And it's hard to know the extent to which such activity changes legislators' minds. Even so, critics say the dollar amounts speak for themselves.

Industries "wouldn't spend money like that if it didn't work," said Barry Kauffman, executive director of Common Cause of Pennsylvania, a watchdog group.

Lobbying expenditures are, in Kauffman's view, "a key indicator of how Harrisburg really works: Invest a lot of money, and you are going to have a lot more clout at the bargaining table." 

How much longer will pay-to-play tactics reign supreme in Pennsylvania?

When will our politicians step-up and start fighting for the actual voters?

Don't hold your breath...

Week 9 picks

Week 8 was a strange week, with two previously winless teams (St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans) finally pulling off wins.  I was completely prepared for a horrendous week, but I managed to pull out a semi-respectable 6-7 record. 

I feel a dominant week coming on...

Bye weeks: Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams

Week 9 picks (Season record ATS: 59-56-1, Last week's record: 6-7-1)

    * home team in bold

• Jacksonville (-6.5) over Kansas City 
• Baltimore (-3) over Cincinnati
• Houston (+8.5) over Indianapolis
• Atlanta (-10) over Washington
• Green Bay (-9.5) over Tampa Bay
• Arizona (+3) over Chicago
• New England (-10.5) over Miami
  
• New Orleans (-13) over Carolina
• Detroit (+10) over Seattle
• San Francisco (-4) over Tennessee
• San Diego (+4.5) over NY Giants
• Philadelphia (-3) over Dallas
• Pittsburgh (-3) over Denver
  

Have a good weekend!

Week 8 was a strange week, with two previously winless teams (St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans) finally pulling off wins.  I was completely prepared for a horrendous week, but I managed to pull out a semi-respectable 6-7 record. 

I feel a dominant week coming on...

Bye weeks: Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams

Week 9 picks (Season record ATS: 59-56-1, Last week's record: 6-7-1)

    * home team in bold

• Jacksonville (-6.5) over Kansas City 
• Baltimore (-3) over Cincinnati
• Houston (+8.5) over Indianapolis
• Atlanta (-10) over Washington
• Green Bay (-9.5) over Tampa Bay
• Arizona (+3) over Chicago
• New England (-10.5) over Miami
  
• New Orleans (-13) over Carolina
• Detroit (+10) over Seattle
• San Francisco (-4) over Tennessee
• San Diego (+4.5) over NY Giants
• Philadelphia (-3) over Dallas
• Pittsburgh (-3) over Denver
  

Have a good weekend!

Week 8 was a strange week, with two previously winless teams (St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans) finally pulling off wins.  I was completely prepared for a horrendous week, but I managed to pull out a semi-respectable 6-7 record. 

I feel a dominant week coming on...

Bye weeks: Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams

Week 9 picks (Season record ATS: 59-56-1, Last week's record: 6-7-1)

    * home team in bold

• Jacksonville (-6.5) over Kansas City 
• Baltimore (-3) over Cincinnati
• Houston (+8.5) over Indianapolis
• Atlanta (-10) over Washington
• Green Bay (-9.5) over Tampa Bay
• Arizona (+3) over Chicago
• New England (-10.5) over Miami
  
• New Orleans (-13) over Carolina
• Detroit (+10) over Seattle
• San Francisco (-4) over Tennessee
• San Diego (+4.5) over NY Giants
• Philadelphia (-3) over Dallas
• Pittsburgh (-3) over Denver
  

Have a good weekend!

Lacing up the other shoe

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette believes Bonusgate's other shoe is about to drop. 

A statewide grand jury is considering recommending charges against former House Speaker John Perzel, R-Philadelphia, and a number of others in connection with millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded computer data that investigators believe was used for political campaigns.

The jury met late last month. It is not clear if a presentment was returned under seal at that time, but figures close to the investigation say questions centered on Mr. Perzel and computer contracts signed with two firms that provided data on voting households in various state House districts.

The probe, headed by Attorney General Tom Corbett, a Republican, grew out of an earlier investigation into allegations that House staff members received taxpayer funds disguised as job performance bonuses in return for working on political campaigns in 2006 and 2004.

Yesterday, two prominent House employees, Brett Feese and Al Bowman, abruptly left their jobs. Both men had been questioned by investigators for the attorney general's office.

The signs are certainly pointing to Corbett issuing a new batch of charges soon, but, how long soon is, is anyone's guess.

Who knows, Corbett's team may be preparing his latest display board right now...

Week 9 power rankings

There wasn't much movement in the top 10, but, for the middle-of-the-pack teams, Week 8 was moving week.

The playoff picture is starting to become clearer as four division leaders have 2+ game leads (Indianapolis, New Orleans, Minnesota, Denver).

Indianapolis and New Orleans are the only two undefeated teams, while Tampa Bay is now the sole winless team.

Biggest gainer(s):  Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans
Biggest loser(s):  Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions

Byes: Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams

Week 9 elite matchups: Houston vs Indianapolis, Baltimore vs Cincinnati, San Diego vs New York Giants, Dallas vs Philadelphia, Pittsburgh vs Denver

NFL Power Rankings (Week 9)

Rank	Team (prev. ranking)	Comments
1	New Orleans Saints (2)	If the New Orleans defense continues making plays, they're the NFCs NFLs best team
2	Indianapolis Colts (1)	Maybe the Niners are a better team than I thought, but Indy should've won that game comfortably
3	Minnesota Vikings (5)	Can Brett Favre avoid last year's second half meltdown?
4	Pittsburgh Steelers (4)	Denver's secondary may give QB Ben Roethlisberger some problems on Monday
5	New England Patriots (6)	At worst, the Patriots should win seven of their last nine games
6	Baltimore Ravens (8)	They needed to snap their 3 game losing streak last week and they delivered
7	Denver Broncos (3)	It could be a rocky 2nd half, but, even if they go .500 the rest of the way, the AFC West should be theirs
8	Cincinnati Bengals (9)	Can improve on their 3-0 division record with a win against BAL this week
9	Philadelphia Eagles (12)	One week, they get dominated by Oakland.  Another week, they dominate the New York Giants.  What gives?
10	New York Giants (10)	What happened to them?  Next week's bye can't come soon enough
11	Atlanta Falcons (11)	It's going to be a tough fight for an NFC Wild Card spot
12	Dallas Cowboys (12)	If he stopped talking and started making plays, WR Roy Williams could be the Cowboys' number one receiver
13	San Diego Chargers (11)	If they don't win the AFC West, how do they make the playoffs?
14	Houston Texans (18)	This week's matchup against Indy is a statement game
15	Chicago Bears (17)	Devin Hester has made a nice adjustment to the WR role
16	Green Bay Packers (16)	QB Aaron Rodgers can only do so much.  They need to start protecting him...
17	Arizona Cardinals (17)	It seems QB Kurt Warner has two horrendous games a year.  Last week was one of them
18	New York Jets (18)	RB Thomas Jones continues to surprise
19	Jacksonville Jaguars (19)	RB Maurice Jones-Drew is on his way to Fantasy Football MVP honors; if only they had some other weapons
20	Carolina Panthers (22)	When their running game is on, they're one of the toughest teams to stop
21	Miami Dolphins (21)	Where did their defense go?
22	San Francisco 49ers (20)	They're one game behind the Cardinals and have 3-0 division record.  A strong 2nd half could mean a NFC West title
23	Buffalo Bills (21)	Can you actually miss having Trent Edwards as your QB?  Seems so...
24	Seattle Seahawks (24)	If only they had a running game...
25	Oakland Raiders (25)	Some may laugh, but if they had a QB like Matt Cassel behind center, they'd be a winning team this year
26	Tennessee Titans (28)	Good for Vince Young
27	Washington Redskins (27)	It's always good when your owner is apologizing to fans mid-season...
28	St. Louis Rams (32)	RB Steven Jackson is quietly having a stellar season
29	Detroit Lions (26)	I don't expect them to win another game this year
30	Kansas City Chiefs (29)	They'd be better off letting RB Larry Johnson go
31	Cleveland Browns (30)	It's either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson.  Pick one and stick with him.
32	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31)	With their remaining schedule, it's tough seeing them winning a game

Picture perfect

Nick Falsone, from the Times-Express, writes a piece about Tom Corbett's perfect pot photos.

Sometimes I wonder if there’s such a profession as a contraband display stylist.

You know, someone working for law enforcement who arranges drugs and weapons seized in major busts in a fashion that will make the most discerning of photojournalists drool.

Perhaps they studied fine arts in college, realized such a degree offered no opportunities in the real world and enrolled in the Allentown Police Academy only to later learn that seemingly useless lessons on Mise-en-scene could actually be applied in some way to fight crime.

Over the years, the displays have become about as common as podiums and politicians at news conferences announcing police crackdowns in the Lehigh Valley. Some are more elaborate than others; the bigger the bureaucratic agency, the better the display.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett usually puts on quite a show when he comes to the Valley to announce some sort of raid.  

Take Monday morning’s announcement of the $2.5 million marijuana ring that brought wholesale drugs from New York to the Easton area, where it was broken up and sold at Kutztown University.

His office could’ve just tossed all the dope on a large folding table and called it a day. Or they could’ve just taken out one fat bag of reefer for Corbett to hold up as he talked about the dangers of drugs.

But this display was one that required thought.

The pot was packed into huge zip lock bags on a small table next to the general’s lectern. 

Guns bordered the pot on the edges of the table.

Such placement seemed calculated; most Kutztown students taking a bong rip in their dorm room while watching “The Wizard of Oz” with Pink Floyd blasting from their iPods probably never associated marijuana with guns. 

I'm glad someone else is finally noticing Corbett's subtle PR efforts. 

Take a look some of Corbett's finest displays...

 

 

 

 

 

Time and time again, Corbett proves his investigations are nothing, unless he gets that perfect, newspaper-selling, publicity shot.  

The king of subtle PR continues to reign...

The last stand (part 2)

The Philadelphia Phillies successfully pushed this World Series to Game 7b with their 8-6 win over the New York Yankees on Monday.  So, do the Phillies have what it takes to push this series to a winner-take-all final game?

I think so...

This game is all about New York Yankees starter Andy Pettitte.  In his Game 3 appearance, Pettitte pitched well enough to earn the victory (he did), but, overall, wasn't very effective (6 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 7 K).  

Tonight, Pettitte goes out on three days rest, which doesn't bode very well for the Empire. 

The Phillies were able to touch up the all-time leader in postseason wins for three runs in the second inning of Game 3 and looked like they were on their way to a 2-1 series lead.  Unfortunately for the Phillies, Cole Hamels hasn't been the same pitcher he was last postseason and proceeded to give up a combined five runs in the 4th and 5th innings.  The Yanks would go on to an 8-5 win and the 2-1 series edge.

Tonight, the Phills send Pedro Martinez to the mound on five days rest.  Now, Pedro is definitely not the same pitcher he was a decade ago, but in his Game 2 start, he pitched well enough to win (he didn't because the Yankees got an exceptional performance from A.J. Burnett) and he always seems to embrace these career-defining moments.  I expect a similar outing (6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 8 K) from him tonight.

All of this translates into a golden opportunity for the boys in red.  

I anticipate Game 6 to go much like Game 5; lots of runs, with the Yankees starter unable to go four innings.  

Game 6 prediction; the Yankees keep the champagne on ice, as the Phillies send the Series to a winner-take-all Game 7 with a 10-5 victory.