Opening Statements Expected Today In Pa. Corruption Case

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Opening statements are scheduled today in the public corruption case that has already resulted in a guilty plea from former state House Speaker John Perzel of Philadelphia (see related story).

In November 2009, ten people associated with the state House Republican caucus were charged in a case that, prosecutor Frank Fina says, centers on allegations that taxpayer dollars and resources were used to create computer programs and databases to give the House GOP an edge in elections.

"Computer databases, tools that pulled out specific information about the voters of Pennsylvania so they could be targeted."

The case has already resulted in guilty pleas from six of the defendants (see related story), including former House Speaker John Perzel, who is expected to testify for the prosecution as three other defendants are set to go on trial, starting today. Those defendants include former House GOP Whip Brett Feese and Brian Preski, Perzel's former chief of staff.

Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060