DeWeese aide: I campaigned on state time

From the Breaking News bar on the main site, Bonusgate Queen Tracie Mauriello has the latest from the preliminary hearing for Bill DeWeese:

HARRISBURG -- Legislative aide Kevin Sidella was disenchanted with his assigned tasks of arranging meals and car washes for his boss, state Rep. Bill DeWeese, and there wasn't enough legitimate work to go around.

That's why he took on campaign fundraising, Mr. Sidella testified this morning in a preliminary hearing for Mr. DeWeese.

"There was only so much work to go around. There wasn't a lot of work left," said Mr. Sidella, who is testifying under a grant of immunity.

Prosecutors now say it was a crime for Mr. DeWeese to keep Mr. Sidella on state payroll while his work days were consumed with political work. Mr. Sidella said he maintained the campaign check book, provided talking points for Mr. DeWeese's fund-raising phone calls and dug up dirt on political opponents.

It is illegal to use state resources for political work.

It is up to Harrisburg District Justice William Wenner to decide whether Mr. DeWeese must stand trial for the alleged crimes.

Also charged is another former aide, Sharon Rodavich of Carmichaels, who worked in Mr. DeWeese's district office. Prosecutors say that she, like Mr. Sidella, did little legitimate legislative work to earn her state pay.

Mrs. Rodavich this morning waived her right to a preliminary hearing, where prosecutors are required to demonstrate they have enough evidence to hold a defendant for trial.

Expected to testify later today is Mike Manzo, Mr. DeWeese's former chief of staff.

Mr. DeWeese and Mrs. Rodavich each are charged with six criminal counts including theft, conflict of interest and conspiracy.

The charges grew out of an extension of a government corruption investigation that became known as Bonusgate because it involved taxpayer-funded bonuses that were given as rewards for campaign work.