Irony of ironies.

As he prosecutes the high-profile “Bonusgate” case accusing state officials of campaigning on the public dime, Attorney General Tom Corbett is seeking re-election himself.

And one man has played a key role in both the attorney general’s office and the Corbett campaign: Brian Nutt, the attorney general’s chief of staff, is now his campaign manager.

Nutt went on unpaid leave last month from his state job to manage Corbett’s campaign in his race against Democrat John Morganelli. But Nutt also assisted at political events for Corbett throughout his first term in office, state records show.

Nutt is one of several staffers who work closely with Corbett in the attorney general’s office and have done at least some political work for their boss during his first term, according to an analysis of campaign-finance records by the Lebanon Daily News.

Kevin Harley, the attorney general’s director of communications, has also helped the Corbett campaign, along with both of Corbett’s executive assistants and two top aides in his office of legislative affairs, records show.

Some attorney-general staffers traveled to political events and were reimbursed for lodging and meals. Some bought stamps or office supplies for the campaign.

None of those staffers is accused of wrongdoing, and Harley said the attorney general makes it clear to employees that all campaign work must be “completely separate” from their jobs. Campaign work on someone’s own time without government compensation is perfectly legal

Harrisburg activists say it illustrates the gray area that exists throughout state government between state work and campaign work.

Some say that Corbett, a Republican and potential governor’s candidate in 2010, has set a bad example by tapping his chief of staff to run his campaign while pursuing Bonusgate.

Activist Gene Stilp said Corbett could further undermine people’s confidence in state government after controversies such as the 2005 pay raise and scandals such as Bonusgate.

“This is not showing good judgment,” Stilp said. “He has to be squeaky clean, and this isn’t squeaky clean.”

I would tend to concur under the circumstances.
-Sean
MrLuigi, my cat, actually only types half as badly as I do.

Disclaimer...I am a volunteer on campaign of Rich Costello who is running against former speaker John Perzel...check out this link to interview and please offer thoughts...it is very telling about "blurring" of line....hell, there IS no line...

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_456651.html