September 16-22, 2004

political notebook

by Mary F. Patel

The Money Pit

Jean Craige Pepper, the Republican candidate for state treasurer, sent a scathing letter to her Democratic opponent, Bob Casey Jr. , last week, demanding that he return donations from people and groups associated with those indicted in the City Hall probe.

"The indictments of Ron White, executives of Commerce Bank and the guilty plea by Charles Kushner have shaken the public's faith in government and the entire political system," Pepper wrote to Casey. "Your association with these individuals can only further damage public confidence."

Pepper said that White — who was indicted by U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan in the ongoing City Hall probe last June on charges of conspiracy, fraud, extortion and false statements — is linked to Citizens Watch 2000, a local PAC that contributed $31,000 to Casey's campaign. Along with White, two Commerce Bank officials were also indicted. Kushner, a top fundraiser, was charged with conspiracy, obstructing a federal investigation and promoting interstate prostitution. He pleaded out last month.

"Bob Casey has steadfastly refused to return any contributions from these sources, in spite of the growing scandal," said Keith Naughton, campaign manager for Pepper. "It's pretty clear that he is determined to put campaign cash first and the trust of the public second."

The Casey campaign, however, dismisses Pepper's accusations as "excessive and inaccurate."

Casey campaign manager Vanessa DeSalvo Getz replied to Pepper via letter.

"Your attacks … are a pathetic attempt to malign the integrity of one of the state's most respected public officials. Today, for the umpteenth time, you deliberately tried to mislead the press and the public about certain years-old political contributions made to Mr. Casey," she wrote. "As you well know, the contributions you harp on were made over two and three years ago to the Casey for Governor campaign. None of the donations you question were made to the current campaign for state treasurer in which you are a candidate."

As to the donations from White, Commerce Bank officials and Kushner, Getz says, "Obviously, if we had a crystal ball and could see into the future, there are certain contributions we would not have accepted. I am sure that every other elected official and candidate in Pennsylvania feels the same way."

Naughton said Getz's response was "the most ridiculous letter I have ever seen."

"They admit they took the money, why don't they return it or escrow it until the convictions?" he asked. "The Democratic National Committee returned a $175,000 donation that Kushner gave them."

Getz responded that "the money doesn't exist to give back, and what [Pepper] is asking is impossible. It is a separate campaign and you would think she would want to talk about the race for state treasurer. My letter speaks for itself."

Casey, who lost to Gov. Ed Rendell in the 2002 Democratic primary, is currently serving out the end of his second term as the state's auditor general; he is prohibited from running again by the state charter. Pepper is a financial adviser from Erie.

Still a Man's World

In today's society, why are women still holding women's forums and conferences for self-empowerment? Do you see any empowerment conferences for men?

More than 3,000 women gathered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center last Tuesday for an all-day conference co-hosted by Gov. Rendell and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.

Rendell saw the conference as a way for women to enrich their lives and said that he and his wife, Midge Rendell, a federal judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, recognized the vital contributions women make to the commonwealth.

The all-day forum — launched by women, for women — was held for the participants to get new ideas for their careers and businesses and for their personal and professional development.

Speakers included Ann Richards, former Texas governor and author of I'm Not Slowing Down: Winning My Battle With Osteoporosis; Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC's Today show, columnist and author of You Don't Have to Be Rich; and Bertice Berry, an educator, former syndicated talk-show host and author.

"It was an energizing and empowering day," said Penny Lee, Rendell's communications director.

"The event was amazing," said Bonnie Squires, a fundraiser and communications specialist who agreed that women still have a long way to go to be on the same plane with men in the business world. That was a reference to a comment made by Laura Liswood, co-founder of the Counsel of Women World Leaders.

"Laura said that it's not that women have to break through the glass ceiling," said Squires, "it's that they have to break through a thick layer of men."

Correction

In last week's Political Notebook, David Shalom Crystal was misquoted. He said George Bush sees Arafat, not Arabs, as a terrorist. City Paper regrets the error.