Bonusgate defendants waive preliminary hearings

Ten of twelve defendants indicted in the Bonusgate scandal have waived their rights to a preliminary hearing on charges that they systematically used taxpayer money and resources to advance or further political campaigns.

Earlier this morning, former Rep. Mike Veon (D., Beaver), one of the highest profile defendants in the case, passed on the opportunity to hear evidence against him by the state attorney general's office.

Also waiving their rights in the hearing this morning were former Democratic staffers Brett Cott, Earl Mosley, and Stephen Keefer.

Only two defendants are scheduled to appear before a Dauphin County judge this morning, including state representative Sean Ramaley (D., Beaver).

The Bonusgate case that has galvanized Harrisburg has so far ensnared a dozen former and current Democratic legislators and staffers alleging they conspired to conduct campaign work on state time and, in some cases, used state money.

State Attorney General Tom Corbett has said he intends to bring more charges in the case. Some Democrats have accused Corbett, a Republican, of only focusing on Democrats, although the investigation in recent weeks appears to be squarely focusing on whether Republicans in the House also engaged in political activity while on state time.