Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Corbett blasts spending, corruption during Delmont campaign stop

Attorney General Tom Corbett on Wednesday criticized Gov. Ed Rendell and legislative leaders for the budget impasse in Harrisburg that has shut off state funding to nonprofit groups and social service agencies.

Corbett said the biggest obstacles facing better government in the state are out-of-control spending and public corruption.

In the past three years, state spending has increased more than 40 percent without any attempts by lawmakers to rein in or cut spending, he said.

"We're spending our money," he said, "but we're spending our children's money, we're spending our grandchildren's money, and in effect, I believe we're spending our great-grandchildren's money."

He spoke at a fundraising breakfast at the Lamplighter in Delmont to about 30 Republicans from Westmoreland and Armstrong counties. He announced his candidacy Monday for the party's nomination for governor next year.

He said public approval for Rendell and the Legislature is at an "all-time low." Corbett's said his criticism covers both Democrat and Republican leaders.

Corbett said the state operates a fleet of 17,000 vehicles and has a support staff of more than 3,000. He said voters should watch the budget process to see whether lawmakers make any cuts. He said some high-level staffers earn more than Rendell.

"See if they reduce their staff," he said.

He said a grand jury investigation — dubbed Bonusgate — into public corruption that he started has shown results, and more will be forthcoming. But he declined to go into detail.

A state grand jury has been investigating alleged misuse of state employees and tax dollars for political campaigns.

Corbett has been criticized because so far only Democrats have been charged and the investigation has been lengthy. Critics say his gubernatorial bid presents a conflict of interest. Corbett advised patience with the probe and its results.

"I can do more as governor setting an example of how things should be done than investigating what needs to be done," he added.