At a benefit, Corbett vetoes GOP invitation to reporters

If he said it once, he said it a million times. When Attorney General Tom Corbett was campaigning for governor, he promised Pennsylvania voters an open and transparent government.

With occasional exceptions, it seems, when it comes to the new governor's personal appearances.

A Berks County state Senate candidate, Larry Medaglia, and the county GOP invited reporters to a fund-raiser Thursday at the Reading County Club, where Corbett was the headliner.

But no one except the 100 or so people who attended know what Corbett had to say.

Why? Because the governor tossed out reporters, saying he would not speak until they had left.

A stunned and chagrined Medaglia apologized to the press corps gathered there. Afterward, Corbett was whisked out a back door surrounded by security, according to the Pottstown Mercury.

The special election to fill the Senate seat held by Democrat Mike O'Pake, who died in December, is scheduled for March 15.

The Democratic candidate is former Berks County Commissioner Judy Schwank.

- Amy Worden