Bill DeWeese

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H. William DeWeese
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 50th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
May 10, 1976
Preceded by Donald Davis
135th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office
January 5, 1993 – November 30, 1994
Preceded by Bob O'Donnell
Succeeded by Matt Ryan
Democratic Leader of the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office
January 3, 1995 – November 30, 2008
Preceded by Ivan Itkin
Succeeded by Todd Eachus
In office
January 23, 1990[1] – November 30, 1992
Preceded by Bob O'Donnell
Succeeded by Ivan Itkin
Democratic Whip of the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office
January 3, 1989 – January 23, 1990
Preceded by Bob O'Donnell
Succeeded by Ivan Itkin
In office
January 6, 2009 – December 19, 2009
Preceded by Keith McCall
Succeeded by Frank Dermody
Personal details
Born April 18, 1950 (1950-04-18) (age 61)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Holly Kinser (married 1992, divorced 1999)[2]
Residence Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Alma mater Wake Forest University
Religion Presbyterian
Military service
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch U.S. Marine Corps
Years of service 1972–1975

H. William "Bill" DeWeese, (born April 18, 1950) is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and has served as 135th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House in 1993–1994. After five years of investigation by Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett, DeWeese was not charged in connection to the Pennyslvania scandal called "Bonusgate." He was indicted in December 2009 on six charges of conflict of interest, theft and criminal conspiracy on accusations that two members of his staff used state resources to campaign for political office. The trial began January 23, 2010. DeWeese contends that the charges are part of an ongoing feud with Corbett. Voters returned him to office in 2010 despite the charges.

Contents

[edit] Background

DeWeese was born April 18, 1950, in Pittsburgh and raised in rural Greene County. After earning a B.A., History at Wake Forest University, he joined the United States Marine Corps 1972–1975.

[edit] State House

After leaving the Marines, DeWeese was elected to the Pennsylvania House in a 1976 special election and has served the 50th district (all of Greene and parts of Fayette and Washington Counties) since.[3][4][5][6]

DeWeese's ascent through the echelons of House Democratic leadership began when he was elected by his colleagues as Majority Whip in 1988. Upon the death of Speaker of the House James Manderino, DeWeese was elected House Majority Leader in January 1990, serving in that position until he was elected Speaker of the House for the 1993–94 term. In 1994, he lost the Speakership when Democrat Rep. Tom Stish switched parties, giving the GOP the majority. He went on to serve as Minority Leader from 1994 until 2006. With the election of fellow Democrat Ed Rendell as Governor of Pennsylvania in 2003, DeWeese was able to wield more influence than otherwise would have been expected from a Minority legislator.[7]

Following November 2006 elections, a tight race in Chester County gave a slim 102-101 majority to the Democrats, DeWeese became Democratic speaker-designate. Days before the General Assembly convened on January 2, 2007, Rep. Thomas Caltagirone of Berks County announced he would not support DeWeese as speaker but would remain a Democrat. For the second time, DeWeese was denied the speakership by a member of his own party. DeWeese made a shocking move in the Hall of the House when he nominated Philadelphia County Republican Rep. Dennis O'Brien for the office of Speaker. O'Brien defeated fellow Northeast Philadelphia Republican John Perzel in a 105–97 vote. Many political analysts speculate DeWeese's leadership style led to the 1994 and 2007 party defections.

[edit] Role in the 2005 legislative pay raise

Main article: 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy

Rep. DeWeese supported a legislative and judicial pay raise in 2005. After criticism from the media and activist groups, DeWeese joined his colleagues in a near unanimous repeal of the pay raise.

DeWeese reorganized the Democratic Caucus following the vote. Members who voted in favor of the pay raise were promoted to those positions; while those who voted against lost such positions as a result of their opposition. Republicans and a small number of fellow Democrats, including Governor Ed Rendell, criticized DeWeese's move; but he stood by his decision, explaining that those who opposed the pay-raise legislation knew the realignment would be a consequence.[8]

Despite the defeats of several legislative leaders in the wake of the pay scandal, DeWeese fought off a 2006 primary election challenge and was elected for an additional term in office on November 7, 2006.

[edit] 2007 speaker election

In 2006, the Democratic party won a 102–101 majority in the House, giving DeWeese a second chance at the speaker's gavel. However, several Democratic representatives were rumored to be unhappy with Deweese. Among them were Rep. Rosita Youngblood of Philadelphia whom DeWeese accused of being "owned lock, stock and barrel by Perzel Incorporated.[9] Caltagirone publicly announced his intention to support Perzel, thereby denying DeWeese the Speakership.[10] However, Democrats foiled Perzel's move by nominating a Republican, Dennis O'Brien for Speaker. O'Brien went on to win the election.

[edit] Accomplishments

Among his accomplishments, DeWeese spearheaded the strongest mine safety law in the country, and led successful efforts to raise the minimum wage, expand prescription drug benefits for senior citizens, pass one of the nation's strongest autism insurance laws, eliminate mandatory overtime for nurses, significantly strengthen the state's Open Records law and implement a sweeping ethics and compliance program for all staff.[11]

[edit] Bonus investigation

Main article: 2006 Pennsylvania General Assembly bonus controversy

DeWeese initially attempted to block Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett's investigation into whether the House Democratic caucus made illegal payments to staffers, with motions to quash suboepenas and exclude evidence seized.[12] However, months later he abruptly dropped his legal challenges.[3] DeWeese negotiated an agreement with the Office of Attorney General to turn over evidence,[13] but the terms of the negotiation have not been made public.

Documents DeWeese turned over to the Attorney General revealed that DeWeese acknowledged awarding bonuses for campaign work and used a state-paid consultant to perform political tasks.[14] Despite the fact that the email said "Thank you for the bonus for campaigning,"[15] DeWeese argued that he thought he was being thanked for a Christmas bonus. Alternatively, DeWeese has argued that the response did not come from him.[16] Evidence also showed that DeWeese and his top aides directed a state-paid consultant to perform political work [17] Prosecutors did not charge DeWeese in connection with bonuses or the state-paid consultant.

Evidence in the case also revealed DeWeese's bizarre personal demands of his staff.[18] DeWeese's aides allegedly balanced his checkbook, paid bills, picked up dry cleaning, bought condoms, and arranged dinner dates from a list of women. His driver was asked to arrange items in the trunk of his car according to a diagram on a card. DeWeese was not charged in connection with the use of his state-paid staff for personal errands, which were not performed on state time. DeWeese stated he paid for the personal errands and that the condoms were purchased by a staff member who asked DeWeese as he was going into the drug store whether he needed anything.[19]

On December 15, 2009, DeWeese was indicted on one count of conflict of interest, four counts of theft and one count of criminal conspiracy.[20] He is accused of paying a full-time political operative with state funds and directing his district office staff to do political work on state time. That operative later said he spent 40% of his time on campaigns. That operative was not charged because he made his allegations against his former boss under protection of immunity. DeWeese's trial is scheduled for early 2012.[21]

He has survived calls for his resignation from reform activists[22] and his fellow state representatives[4] DeWeese did not step down and was re-elected in 2008 over Republican Greg Hopkins.[23]

With Keith McCall receiving the party nomination for Speaker after the 2008 elections, DeWeese ran for and was elected to be Majority Whip in the House.[5] He resigned from his leadership role after he was indicted on charges unrelated to the issues at the center of the Bonusgate case.[6] In spite of this reduced role in the Democratic caucus, the Pennsylvania Report expected DeWeese to "find some way to exert his influence and thus continue to be a power player and force behind-the-scenes in the PA House" and cautioned against anyone counting him out.[24]

[edit] Feud with Corbett

DeWeese maintained that his charges were part of a political vendetta[25] by Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett, who indicted DeWeese while running for Governor. Corbett won the governor’s race through an anti-corruption platform[26] despite allegations of prosecutorial misconduct[27] and corruption in Corbett's office.[28]

A key source of dispute between Corbett and DeWeese is the exploration for natural gas in Marcellus Shale, a booming industry in DeWeese’s district. Between 2005 and 2010, more than 1,900 wells[29] had been drilled in Pennsylvania. Greene County, home of DeWeese, has attracted companies as large as Haliburton.[30] Corbett, the former assistant General Counsel of Waste Management, opposes an extraction tax[31] on Marcellus Shale drilling while DeWeese favors it. Corbett also sought to limit regulatory oversight of the drilling industry.[32]

Corbett’s campaign was heavily funded by energy insiders.[33] He received more than $1 million in campaign contributions from the natural gas industry.[34]

In August, 2011, DeWeese called for a theft-of-services investigation of Tom Corbett when the wife of a Corbett cabinet member was charged with DUI and called the Governor’s mansion in the early morning hours to assist. A State Trooper was dispatched to pick her up from the police station and drive her home.[25]

In January, 2012, DeWeese lambasted Corbett[35] for spending tens of millions of state dollars pursuing political enemies but ignoring the child abuse allegations against Jerry Sandusky. Corbett received $201,783.64 in campaign contributions from past and present board members of Sandusky's charity, according to media reports.[36]

As part of the ongoing feud, Corbett also canceled a prison destined for DeWeese’s district.[37]

[edit] Speech

DeWeese is well known for his idiosyncratic style of speaking and writing, which incorporates an extensive vocabulary, anachronistic usages, and attenuated metaphors. For instance, a 2002 letter by DeWeese to lobbyist Stephen Wojdak regarding Wojdak's hiring of DeWeese's ex-wife, Holly Kinser, began with the following paragraph:

Let's cut to the chase ... you sir, are a liar. The measure of the person in our enterprise is his word. When a man comes to my Capitol Hill enclave and stands beneath that impressive chandelier of gold, looks me in the eye with a gimlet gaze, shakes my hand with a sturdy grip and gives me his word, to me it's axiomatic that the gentleman is telling the truth. You are an abject, ignoble, mendacious knave![38]

While some take DeWeese's use of language as evidence of his high level of intellect, others complain that his prose is frequently mangled. Others find his linguistic choices pompous. In a 2002 interview with the Allentown Morning Call, DeWeese said regarding his metaphors: "My intelligence is in the middle range, but my enthusiasm is above average."

In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA named him to the list of "Smartest Legislators," saying "His command of the English language leaves most people fumbling for a dictionary, if they can even spell the word. The breadth and depth of his knowledge of history also distinguishes this Democratic Floor Leader. Extremely well rounded and well read, DeWeese is capable of holding an intelligent conversation on just about any topic."[39] In a 2002 PoliticsPA Feature story designating politicians with yearbook superlatives, he was named the "Best Dressed."[40]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Jim Moore (1990). "DeWeese takes on duties of House majority leader". Observer-Reporter. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XKxdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fV0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1185,2657935&dq=bill+deweese&hl=en. Retrieved October 26, 2011. 
  2. ^ Rubin Erdely, Sabrina (March 2003). "There's Something About Holly Philadelphia Magazine March, 2003". Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Metro Corp.). 
  3. ^ a b [1][dead link]
  4. ^ a b DeWeese may face caucus ire. Pittsburgh Tribune (2008-01-09). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  5. ^ a b Brad Bumsted (2008-11-18). "House Democrats hand DeWeese No. 2 slot". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_599146.html. Retrieved 2008-11-18. 
  6. ^ a b Mauriello, Tracie (December 18, 2009). "Dermody's election as House Democratic whip a 'shake-up'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09352/1021879-454.stm. 
  7. ^ "The PA Report "Power 75" List" (PDF). Pennsylvania Report. Capital Growth, Inc.. January 31, 2003. Archived from the original on 2006-09-02. http://web.archive.org/web/20060920200116/www.pa-report.com/uploaded_pdf/PAReportPower75_.pdf. 
  8. ^ Moves in Pa. House to Stand. Philadelphia Inquirer August 5, 2005
  9. ^ Philadelphia Daily News, Rosita's revenge? December 29, 2006[dead link]
  10. ^ ''Reading Eagle'', Democrat plans to support Perzel, spoiling party speakership, December 30, 2006. Zwire.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  11. ^ Biography. Pahouse.com (1950-04-18). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  12. ^ Mauriello, Tracie; Barnes, Tom (September 21, 2007). "Democrats attempting to block state probe of bonuses". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07264/819368-85.stm. 
  13. ^ Agent So Op Testimony 1. Scribd.com (2008-03-31). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  14. ^ Cattabiani, Mario F.; Couloumbis, Angela (April 6, 2009). "Bonusgate records contradict DeWeese". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 
  15. ^ E-mail may tie DeWeese to scandal – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Pittsburghlive.com (2009-03-16). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  16. ^ E-mail may tie DeWeese to scandal – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Pittsburghlive.com (2009-03-16). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  17. ^ Records appear to contradict DeWeese The ex-House Democratic leader, who has not been charged in the Bonusgate case, has denied he knew public money was misused. – Philly.com. Articles.philly.com (2009-04-06). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  18. ^ Bumsted, Brad. (2009-12-22) Grand jury testimony tells of DeWeese's demands on staff – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Pittsburghlive.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  19. ^ Bumsted, Brad. (2009-12-22) Grand jury testimony tells of DeWeese's demands on staff – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Pittsburghlive.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  20. ^ Roddy, Dennis B.; Mauriello, Tracie (December 16, 2009). "DeWeese, Stetler charged in state corruption probe". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09350/1021196-454.stm#ixzz19rKpmPqf. 
  21. ^ Pennsylvania Rep. Bill DeWeese to go to trial on Bonusgate charges. PennLive.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  22. ^ Micek, John (November 16, 2007). "Afternoon Update". Mcall.com: Capitol Ideas with John L. Micek Blog. http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2007/11/afternoon-upd-1.html. 
  23. ^ Democrats seek to take focus off bonus scandal (phillyBurbs.com) | Courier Times[dead link]
  24. ^ "PA Report 100" (PDF). Pennsylvania Report. Capital Growth, Inc.. January 23, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-08-14. http://www.webcitation.org/5j0zKOG5a. 
  25. ^ a b DeWeese right in calling for investigation – Greene County Messenger: Editorials. Heraldstandard.com (2011-08-19). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  26. ^ Corbett Wins Pa. Governor’s Race. Main Justice (2010-11-02). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  27. ^ Court document (PDF). mnginteractive.com (2010-03-25)
  28. ^ Analysis: Can Tom Corbett continue his charge on Pennsylvania Capitol?. PennLive.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  29. ^ Southwestern Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Short-Term Ambient Air Sampling Report. November 1, 2010. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection
  30. ^ Gas Drilling Trucks | Truck photos including some frac fluid trucks. Marcellus-shale.us. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  31. ^ Sungala, Rebekah. (2011-03-11) DeWeese, others speak out against Corbett plan – Greene County Messenger: Top Stories. Heraldstandard.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  32. ^ Pennsylvania Limits Authority of Oil and Gas Inspectors. ProPublica (2011-03-30). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  33. ^ [2][dead link]
  34. ^ Swift, Robert. (2010-11-19) Hanger challenges Corbett on natural gas drilling – News. Daily Review. Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  35. ^ Matt Miller Top aide pleads guilty amid jury selection for ex-House Speaker Bill DeWeese's corruption trial. The Patriot-News The Patriot-News . January 18, 2012
  36. ^ Past And Present Board Members Of Sandusky's Charity Gave $201,783.64 To Gov. Corbett's 2010 Campaign. Deadspin.com (2011-11-16). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  37. ^ DeWeese expresses ire over prison cancellation. PoliticsPA (2011-02-18). Retrieved on 2012-01-23.
  38. ^ Mr. Stephen R. Wojdak. Politics.pa.com
  39. ^ "Smartest Legislators". PoliticsPA. The Publius Group. 2002. Archived from the original on 2002-01-15. http://web.archive.org/web/20020115192436/politicspa.com/FEATURES/SmartestLegislators.htm. 
  40. ^ "Keystone State Yearbook Committee". PoliticsPA. The Publius Group. 2001. Archived from the original on 2002-08-31. http://web.archive.org/web/20020803170058/www.politicspa.com/yearbookcommittee.htm. 

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