December 2, 2008 - 11:47

Fumo secretly funded anti-Rendell ads, according to testimony by former aides

The ongoing corruption trial of former state Sen. Vince Fumo has already shed light on the legendary lawmaker's at-time eccentric personal, professional and political behavior.

But recent testimony has spread the intrigue to Gov. Ed Rendell, Senate Minority Leader Bob Mellow (D-Lackawanna County) and former House Democratic Caucus leader Bill DeWeese (D-Greene County).

During the heated 2002 Democratic gubernatorial primary between Rednell and now-U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Scranton), Fumo gave $35,000 to a PAC to place anti-Rendell newspaper ads, according to testimony by Senate contractor Howard Cain and others.

The PAC, called "Public Officials for a Better Pennsylvania," was created by DeWeese and Mellow, both Casey supporters. Fumo's donation was kept secret.

Cain testified Fumo also quietly funded gun control groups that opposed Rendell and approved using staff to link Rendell to an unpopular housing program.

Alex Roarty is a PolitickerPA.com Reporter and can be reached via email at noreply@politicker.com.

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