HARRISBURG
A former top House Democrat staffer's testimony that Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese knew about taxpayer-financed bonuses paid to campaign workers may be the least of the problems facing House Democrats as a result of this dramatic development.
The mere fact that Mike Manzo had flipped and would cooperate fully with Attorney General Tom Corbett's office was the real bombshell dropped recently in Dauphin County Court.
He testified last week before a state grand jury.
It's not just about DeWeese.
In addition to serving as DeWeese's top aide, Manzo was also chief of staff for the House Democratic Caucus.
DeWeese strongly denies the charges. He has not been accused of any wrongdoing by authorities.
What about other Democrat leaders, rank-and-file members and other staffers who dealt with Manzo?
There are no doubt some lobbyists as well with sweaty palms.
That's not to say there is widespread corruption, beyond the 12 people with ties to the caucus already charged. In the least there could be embarrassing tidbits about other members and staffers that surface.
Manzo was the go-to guy for Democrat members. The 39-year-old staffer in dapper attire would frequently be seen walking through Capitol hallways punching out messages on his BlackBerry.
He had rock-solid credibility on the Hill with lawmakers of both parties, staffers and the administration. DeWeese has called his one-time protege a liar.
Manzo would have dealt with members on their WAMs (Walking Around Money), their legislation, their campaign fundraising and "volunteers" for their campaigns.
Manzo will have to testify to everything, completely and honestly, or he'll be in prison for a long time, and not the country club version.
Why would Manzo do this?
He was charged with 47 counts of theft, conflict of interest and conspiracy. Manzo wanted this over with. He wanted to accept responsibility, move on with his life and, most of all, repair his marriage. His wife, Rachel, though a bit player in Bonusgate, was charged with 12 counts.
Manzo in a July 10 grand jury presentment was accused of keeping a young woman on the payroll in what was alleged to be a no-work job.
Despite the alleged affair, Manzo's highest priority is protecting his wife.
Many will scoff at that given what happened but it's true.
Prosecutors and Manzo's defense lawyer said there was nothing in his plea agreement about dropping charges against Rachel. But that doesn't mean she won't get a plea agreement. Watch at some point for the charges against Rachel Manzo to be reduced. Here's betting she will be fitted for ankle bracelets for house arrest.
What kind of credibility will Manzo have on the stand⢠He is soon to become a convicted felon as a result of his pending plea agreement. Manzo will have the same standing as other convicted felons who testify for the prosecution in this country every day against drug dealers, mob figurers and garden-variety killers. Convictions are often won on the testimony of the biggest and baldest felons.
Defense attorneys home in on them like a laser -- paint them as liars, thieves, law-breakers.
Sometimes the prosecution witnesses are believable -- sometimes not. Corroborating evidence helps.
Even if Manzo's testimony isn't necessarily directed at other caucus members, they must be concerned about becoming collateral damage.
Some of the things that went on behind the scenes to get bills moved or get WAMs from leaders, even if legal, may have been just plain ugly.
