H. William DeWeese
Encyclopedia
H. William "Bill" DeWeese, (born April 18, 1950) is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
and has served as 135th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House in 1993-1994. After five years of investigation by Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett, DeWeese was not charged in connection to the Pennyslvania scandal called "Bonusgate." He is currently awaiting trial in a separate matter on six charges of conflict of interest, theft and criminal conspiracy on accusations that his staff used state resources to campaign for political office. DeWeese contends that the charges are part of an ongoing feud with Corbett. Voters returned him to office despite the charges.
and raised in rural Greene County
. After earning a B.A., History at Wake Forest University
, he joined the United States Marine Corps
1972-1975.
and Washington Counties
) since.
DeWeese's ascent through the echelons of House Democratic leadership began when he was elected by his colleagues as Majority Whip in 1988. Upon the death of Speaker of the House James Manderino
, DeWeese was elected House Majority Leader in January 1990, serving in that position until he was elected Speaker of the House for the 1993-94 term. In 1994, he lost the Speakership when Democrat Rep. Tom Stish
switched parties, giving the GOP the majority. He went on to serve as Minority Leader
from 1994 until 2006. With the election of fellow Democrat Ed Rendell
as Governor of Pennsylvania in 2003, DeWeese was able to wield more influence than otherwise would have been expected from a Minority legislator.
Following November 2006 elections, a tight race in Chester County
gave a slim 102-101 majority to the Democrats, DeWeese became Democratic speaker-designate. Days before the General Assembly convened on January 2, 2007, Rep. Thomas Caltagirone
of Berks County announced he would not support DeWeese as speaker but would remain a Democrat. For the second time, DeWeese was denied the speakership by a member of his own party. DeWeese made a shocking move in the Hall of the House when he nominated Philadelphia County Republican Rep. Dennis O'Brien for the office of Speaker. O'Brien defeated fellow Northeast Philadelphia Republican John Perzel in a 105-97 vote. Many political analysts speculate DeWeese's leadership style led to the 1994 and 2007 party defections.
in 2005. After criticism from the media and activist groups, DeWeese joined his colleagues in a near unanimous repeal of the pay raise.
DeWeese reorganized the Democratic Caucus following the vote. Members who voted in favor of the pay raise were promoted to those positions; while those who voted against lost such positions as a result of their opposition. Republicans and a small number of fellow Democrats, including Governor Ed Rendell
, criticized DeWeese's move; but he stood by his decision, explaining that those who opposed the pay-raise legislation knew the realignment would be a consequence.
Despite the defeats of several legislative leaders in the wake of the pay scandal, DeWeese fought off a 2006 primary election challenge and was elected for an additional term in office on November 7, 2006.
for Speaker. O'Brien went on to win the election.
Tom Corbett's
investigation into whether the House Democratic caucus made illegal payments to staffers, with motions to quash suboepenas and exclude evidence seized. However, months later he abruptly dropped his legal challenges, fired seven employees and turned over to the Attorney General documents and emails intended to implicate those employees and others.
Documents DeWeese turned over to the Attorney General revealed that DeWeese acknowledged awarding bonuses for campaign work and used a state-paid consultant to perform political tasks.. However, DeWeese argued that the three-words "U R Welcome" that opponents said implicated him was in response to an email thanking him for a bonus at Christmas time, even though the email specifically said, ""I can't thank you enough for the bonus for campaigning." Prosecutors did not charge DeWeese in connection with bonuses or the state-paid consultant.
Grand jury testimony in the case revealed that DeWeese made bizarre personal demands of his staff, such as "a small coffee in a big cup," "a small salad in a big bowl," or "12 M&Ms." His state-paid aides balanced his checkbook, bought condoms and arranged his dinner dates.
On December 15, 2009, DeWeese was indicted on one count of conflict of interest, four counts of theft and one count of criminal conspiracy. He is accused of paying a full-time political operative with state funds and directing his district office staff to do political work on state time. That operative later said he spent 40 percent of his time on campaigns. That operative was not charged because he made his allegations against his former boss under protection of immunity. DeWeese's trial is scheduled for early 2012.
He has survived calls for his resignation from reform activists and his fellow state representatives. DeWeese did not step down and was re-elected in 2008
over Republican Greg Hopkins.
With Keith McCall receiving the party nomination for Speaker after the 2008 elections, DeWeese ran for and was elected to be Majority Whip in the House. He resigned from his leadership role after he was indicted on charges unrelated to the issues at the center of the Bonusgate case. In spite of this reduced role in the Democratic caucus, the Pennsylvania Report
expected DeWeese to "find some way to exert his influence and thus continue to be a power player and force behind-the-scenes in the PA House" and cautioned against anyone counting him out.
usages, and attenuated metaphor
s.
While some take DeWeese's use of language as evidence of his high level of intellect, others complain that his prose is frequently mangled. Others find his linguistic choices pompous. In a 2002 interview with the Allentown Morning Call
, DeWeese said regarding his metaphors: "My intelligence is in the middle range, but my enthusiasm is above average."
In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA
named him to the list of "Smartest Legislators," saying "His command of the English language leaves most people fumbling for a dictionary, if they can even spell the word. The breadth and depth of his knowledge of history also distinguishes this Democratic Floor Leader. Extremely well rounded and well read, DeWeese is capable of holding an intelligent conversation on just about any topic." In a 2002 PoliticsPA
Feature story
designating politicians with yearbook superlatives
, he was named the "Best Dressed."
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the lower house of the bicameral Pennsylvania General Assembly, the legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. There are 203 members, elected for two year terms from single member districts....
and has served as 135th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House in 1993-1994. After five years of investigation by Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett, DeWeese was not charged in connection to the Pennyslvania scandal called "Bonusgate." He is currently awaiting trial in a separate matter on six charges of conflict of interest, theft and criminal conspiracy on accusations that his staff used state resources to campaign for political office. DeWeese contends that the charges are part of an ongoing feud with Corbett. Voters returned him to office despite the charges.
Background
DeWeese was born April 18, 1950, in PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
and raised in rural Greene County
Greene County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 40,672 people, 15,060 households, and 10,587 families residing in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile . There were 16,678 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
. After earning a B.A., History at Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational university in the U.S. state of North Carolina, founded in 1834. The university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina, the state capital. The Reynolda Campus, the university's main campus, is...
, he joined the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
1972-1975.
State House
After leaving the Marines, DeWeese was elected to the Pennsylvania House in a 1976 special election and has served the 50th district (all of Greene and parts of FayetteFayette County, Pennsylvania
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the2010 census, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area....
and Washington Counties
Washington County, Pennsylvania
-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
) since.
DeWeese's ascent through the echelons of House Democratic leadership began when he was elected by his colleagues as Majority Whip in 1988. Upon the death of Speaker of the House James Manderino
James J. Manderino
James J. Manderino is a former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.James J. Manderino served as the 133rd Speaker in 1989. He was a Democrat from Monessen, Westmoreland County...
, DeWeese was elected House Majority Leader in January 1990, serving in that position until he was elected Speaker of the House for the 1993-94 term. In 1994, he lost the Speakership when Democrat Rep. Tom Stish
Tom Stish
Thomas B. Stish is a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.-References:...
switched parties, giving the GOP the majority. He went on to serve as Minority Leader
Minority leader
In U.S. politics, the minority leader is the floor leader of the second largest caucus in a legislative body. Given the two-party nature of the U.S. system, the minority leader is almost inevitably either a Republican or a Democrat, with their counterpart being of the opposite party. The position...
from 1994 until 2006. With the election of fellow Democrat Ed Rendell
Ed Rendell
Edward Gene "Ed" Rendell is an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania. Rendell, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2002, and his term of office began January 21, 2003...
as Governor of Pennsylvania in 2003, DeWeese was able to wield more influence than otherwise would have been expected from a Minority legislator.
Following November 2006 elections, a tight race in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
gave a slim 102-101 majority to the Democrats, DeWeese became Democratic speaker-designate. Days before the General Assembly convened on January 2, 2007, Rep. Thomas Caltagirone
Thomas Caltagirone
Thomas R. Caltagirone is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represents the 127th District and is presently the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a member of the Gaming Oversight Committee....
of Berks County announced he would not support DeWeese as speaker but would remain a Democrat. For the second time, DeWeese was denied the speakership by a member of his own party. DeWeese made a shocking move in the Hall of the House when he nominated Philadelphia County Republican Rep. Dennis O'Brien for the office of Speaker. O'Brien defeated fellow Northeast Philadelphia Republican John Perzel in a 105-97 vote. Many political analysts speculate DeWeese's leadership style led to the 1994 and 2007 party defections.
Role in the 2005 legislative pay raise
Rep. DeWeese supported a legislative and judicial pay raise2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy
In the early morning hours of July 7, 2005, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed pay increases for state lawmakers, judges, and top executive-branch officials. The vote took place at 2 a.m. without public review or commentary and Governor Ed Rendell signed the bill into law...
in 2005. After criticism from the media and activist groups, DeWeese joined his colleagues in a near unanimous repeal of the pay raise.
DeWeese reorganized the Democratic Caucus following the vote. Members who voted in favor of the pay raise were promoted to those positions; while those who voted against lost such positions as a result of their opposition. Republicans and a small number of fellow Democrats, including Governor Ed Rendell
Ed Rendell
Edward Gene "Ed" Rendell is an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania. Rendell, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2002, and his term of office began January 21, 2003...
, criticized DeWeese's move; but he stood by his decision, explaining that those who opposed the pay-raise legislation knew the realignment would be a consequence.
Despite the defeats of several legislative leaders in the wake of the pay scandal, DeWeese fought off a 2006 primary election challenge and was elected for an additional term in office on November 7, 2006.
2007 speaker election
In 2006, the Democratic party won a 102-101 majority in the House, giving DeWeese a second chance at the speaker's gavel. However, several Democratic representatives were rumored to be unhappy with Deweese. Among them were Rep. Rosita Youngblood of Philadelphia whom DeWeese accused of being "owned lock, stock and barrel by Perzel Incorporated. Caltagirone publicly announced his intention to support Perzel, thereby denying DeWeese the Speakership. However, Democrats foiled Perzel's move by nominating a Republican, Dennis O'BrienDennis M. O'Brien
Dennis Michael "Denny" O'Brien is the representative from the 169th Legislative District and was the 137th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He is the majority chairman of the House Committee on Children & Youth...
for Speaker. O'Brien went on to win the election.
Bonus investigation
DeWeese initially attempted to block Pennsylvania Attorney GeneralPennsylvania Attorney General
The Pennsylvania Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It became an elected office in 1980. Currently, the office is held by Linda Kelly.- Authority and Responsibilities :...
Tom Corbett's
Tom Corbett
Thomas W. Corbett is the 46th and current Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. He is a former Attorney General of Pennsylvania and was elected to that office in 2004 and reelected in 2008...
investigation into whether the House Democratic caucus made illegal payments to staffers, with motions to quash suboepenas and exclude evidence seized. However, months later he abruptly dropped his legal challenges, fired seven employees and turned over to the Attorney General documents and emails intended to implicate those employees and others.
Documents DeWeese turned over to the Attorney General revealed that DeWeese acknowledged awarding bonuses for campaign work and used a state-paid consultant to perform political tasks.. However, DeWeese argued that the three-words "U R Welcome" that opponents said implicated him was in response to an email thanking him for a bonus at Christmas time, even though the email specifically said, ""I can't thank you enough for the bonus for campaigning." Prosecutors did not charge DeWeese in connection with bonuses or the state-paid consultant.
Grand jury testimony in the case revealed that DeWeese made bizarre personal demands of his staff, such as "a small coffee in a big cup," "a small salad in a big bowl," or "12 M&Ms." His state-paid aides balanced his checkbook, bought condoms and arranged his dinner dates.
On December 15, 2009, DeWeese was indicted on one count of conflict of interest, four counts of theft and one count of criminal conspiracy. He is accused of paying a full-time political operative with state funds and directing his district office staff to do political work on state time. That operative later said he spent 40 percent of his time on campaigns. That operative was not charged because he made his allegations against his former boss under protection of immunity. DeWeese's trial is scheduled for early 2012.
He has survived calls for his resignation from reform activists and his fellow state representatives. DeWeese did not step down and was re-elected in 2008
Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2008
The 2008 Elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were held on November 4, 2008, with all districts being contested. Necessary primary elections were held on April 22, 2008. The term of office for those elected in 2008 will run from January 6, 2009 until November 2010...
over Republican Greg Hopkins.
With Keith McCall receiving the party nomination for Speaker after the 2008 elections, DeWeese ran for and was elected to be Majority Whip in the House. He resigned from his leadership role after he was indicted on charges unrelated to the issues at the center of the Bonusgate case. In spite of this reduced role in the Democratic caucus, the Pennsylvania Report
Pennsylvania Report
The Pennsylvania Report is an independent bi-weekly subscription-based political newspaper published in Pennsylvania. It is "widely read by the state's political junkies." It was founded in 1985 by David Buffington, a former public relations worker for the Pennsylvania Government.It provides...
expected DeWeese to "find some way to exert his influence and thus continue to be a power player and force behind-the-scenes in the PA House" and cautioned against anyone counting him out.
Speech
DeWeese is well known for his idiosyncratic style of speaking and writing, which incorporates an extensive vocabulary, anachronisticAnachronism
An anachronism—from the Greek ανά and χρόνος — is an inconsistency in some chronological arrangement, especially a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other...
usages, and attenuated metaphor
Metaphor
A metaphor is a literary figure of speech that uses an image, story or tangible thing to represent a less tangible thing or some intangible quality or idea; e.g., "Her eyes were glistening jewels." Metaphor may also be used for any rhetorical figures of speech that achieve their effects via...
s.
While some take DeWeese's use of language as evidence of his high level of intellect, others complain that his prose is frequently mangled. Others find his linguistic choices pompous. In a 2002 interview with the Allentown Morning Call
The Morning Call
The Morning Call is a daily newspaper based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The newspaper is owned by the Tribune Company, whose other publications include the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and Baltimore Sun....
, DeWeese said regarding his metaphors: "My intelligence is in the middle range, but my enthusiasm is above average."
In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA
PoliticsPA
- Content :The website focuses on news aggregation, linking to major political news making headlines across the state. The editors write occasional features, like the weekly "Up & Down" scorecard and one-off lists like "Harrisburg's Smartest Staffer" and "Best Dressed Lobbyist" lists...
named him to the list of "Smartest Legislators," saying "His command of the English language leaves most people fumbling for a dictionary, if they can even spell the word. The breadth and depth of his knowledge of history also distinguishes this Democratic Floor Leader. Extremely well rounded and well read, DeWeese is capable of holding an intelligent conversation on just about any topic." In a 2002 PoliticsPA
PoliticsPA
- Content :The website focuses on news aggregation, linking to major political news making headlines across the state. The editors write occasional features, like the weekly "Up & Down" scorecard and one-off lists like "Harrisburg's Smartest Staffer" and "Best Dressed Lobbyist" lists...
Feature story
Feature story
- Published Features & news :While the distinction between published features and news is often clear, when approached conceptually there are few hard boundaries between the two. It is quite possible to write a feature in the style of a news story, for instance...
designating politicians with yearbook superlatives
Yearbook
A yearbook, also known as an annual, is a book to record, highlight, and commemorate the past year of a school or a book published annually. Virtually all American, Australian and Canadian high schools, most colleges and many elementary and middle schools publish yearbooks...
, he was named the "Best Dressed."
External links
- Pennsylvania House of Representatives - H. William DeWeese
- Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus - Rep. Bill DeWeese