1. WHOA HO HO!!!

http://www.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2034/bonusgate-testimony-manzo-sa...

Bombshell Bonusgate testimony: Manzo says DeWeese knew about bonuses
By Alex Roarty
Category: LocalTags: Patrick Lavelle, Mike Veon, Michael Manzo, bonusgate, Bill DeWeeseTop Story: Breaking

UPDATED: House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese knew bonuses were illegally being paid to legislative staffer in exchange for political work, according to testimony given Wednesday by his former chief of staff Michael Manzo.

"I believe he did, yes," Manzo said.

DeWeese has repeatedly denied any involvement in "Bonusgate."

Manzo, along with Patrick Lavelle Jr., were two of 12 people indicted as part of the "Bonusgate" investigation, but both cut a deal with prosecutors to testify Wednesday.

Manzo testified the House Democratic Caucus began a concerted effort in 2002, the year Gov. Ed Rendell took office, to get more legislative staffers volunteering for Democratic candidates.

Manzo said his former boss DeWeese, along with ex-House Minority Whip Mike Veon (D-Beavery County), made the decision collectively to expand what at that point had just been a "core group" of 20 or 30 staffers who volunteered.

"The folks in leadership knew we were going to be badly outspent," he testified. "(Republicans) raise more money. Our goal was to have more feet on the ground. It was the only way we could compete."

His testimony also mentioned efforts made by Democrats to throw presidential candidate Ralph Nader off the ballot in Pennsylvania in 2004.

"No one had expertise like House Democrats did ... we had been doing it for years," Manzo said. "So the calculation was made that if Ralph Nader could get on the ballot, John Kerry could lose Pennsylvania."

2. Calvin Klein models now running the Treasury Department!

3. The Senate Republicans have pulled even their own healthcare bill from the floor. No I am not kidding and you will be hearing a lot more about this later!!!

FUNDRAISER ROLL...

4. Oct 14 - next Tuesday - Larry Farnese Young Professionals Event
"Please come out and support Larry Farnese, Democratic Nominee for Pennsylvania's First State Senate District."
Start Time: Tuesday, October 14 at 5:30pm
End Time: Tuesday, October 14 at 7:30pm
Where: Glam

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=40804102393

5. Women's Campaign Fund fall fundraiser

SE PWCF Fall Fundraiser and cocktail reception
Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 5:30 - 8:00pm

Bochetto & Lentz, P.C.
1524 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
RSVP to Tricia Desmarais, Esquire
Ph: (215) 735-3900

6. Two things on Oct 22:

Lou Freimiller, Dan Muroff
SEIU Local 668/PSSU, Tony Heyl,
State Representative, Babette Josephs,
Stacey Sobel, Mark Stier and Lauren Townsend
(List in formation)cordially invite you to a reception honoring

Frank X. Custer
Democrat for State Representative, 61st District
Wednesday, October 22nd, 5:30-7:30 PM

at the law firm of
Krasner & Restrepo
239 S Camac St
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Leader $1000 – Host $500 – Friend $250
Sponsor $100 – Ticket $50

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Event: Cocktails & Conversations with Tony Payton Jr.
Time: October 22, 2008 6:00PM
Location: Public House Logan Square , 2 Logan Square, 18th Between Cherry & Arch , Philadelphia, PA 19107