PoliticsPA is putting a different spin on the start of today’s “Week Ahead” feature. Here’s what NOT to look for this week, this month, or likely the rest of this year:  ”Bonusgate” part three. Rumors about the impending next wave of indictments circulated among some Capitol gadflies last week despite Tom Corbett announcing new charges only a week earlier. The timing of those rumors followed a pattern seen for much of the last year, when Harrisburg politicos speculated several times a month that “Bonusgate’s” next round was imminent.

Let’s stop the rumor-mill now. Corbett made it clear during his last press conference that alleged obstruction from legislative staffers and an 11-percent budget cut to his office will slow the investigation. Because the holiday season has arrived, it’s likely a safe assumption the next round of charges won’t come until 2010.

GOP Senate candidate Pat Toomey has been feeling the love so far this week, with a flattering column from the Inquirer’s Kevin Ferris, and some even-tempered, but optimistic analysis from Shira Toeplitz at CQ-Roll Call.  So, what should you NOT look for?  Any major splashes from Toomey.  With Sestak and Specter sniping at each other more and more, expect Toomey to continue to play it safe (steady on fiscal responsibility, quiet on his conservative social positions, with a few careful, centrist moves).

Enjoy the time off this week. Combined with Christmas, Thanksgiving will be one of the last chances for everyone to disconnect from the political scene before 2010. Don’t expect any similar breaks until May.

Tags: Weekly Primer

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