Illegal-bonus investigation reaches Senate

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, February, 2008 | by Mario F. Cattabiani Inquirer Staff Writer

HARRISBURG - After nearly a year, an investigation into whether government bonuses were given to legislative staffers as a reward for their political campaign work has reached the state Senate. Top Senate Republicans confirmed yesterday that the caucus received a subpoena over the weekend from Attorney General Tom Corbett seeking personnel records in what has become known as "Bonusgate." Until now, the investigation had appeared to focus only on the House, and mostly on Democrats in that chamber who gave out by far the most in bonuses at the end of 2006.

Senate Republican leaders told their rank-and-file members about the subpoena yesterday. "Certainly it wasn't the highlight of my day, but I think it's a part of the overall investigation," said Senate President Pro...