Rendell Hits Paydirt Twice- Its a Mericle My Dear Hindrey

Over at Capitol Ideas with John Micek he talks about Fast Eddy Rendell's association with the bodacious donor who caused the demise of Tom Daschell as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Well, to be fair, it was Daschell who made his own choices.

As John reports Leo Hindrey dropped more than a fair amount of money into Rendell's coffers. "If recent history has taught us nothing, it's that where there's Democratic smoke, you'll probably find Gov. Ed toasting his marshmallows."

"A quick inspection of Department of State records show that Hindery has given a truly huge amount of money to Rendell over the years, starting with a $10,000 donation in 2001. Hindery also gave Rendell a stunning $100,000 in 2005, and footed the bill for $$2,257 worth of catering in 2006."
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That story takes us back to Robert Mercile, real estate developer, who believes in the premise that money is neither created nor destroyed it is just moved from place to place. According to a Times Leader article Mericle donated more than $110,000 to Gov. Ed Rendell’s campaigns since 1998 – including $70,000 in 2006 alone. Rendell was kind enough to repay the allegiance.

"About $17 million in grants and loans have been sent from Harrisburg to Mericle to help develop his CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park that spans the Pittston Township and Jenkins Township line."

Mericle is featured in the $2.6 Million Money Trail graphic authored by Gary Visgaitis of the Times Leader. It is alleged that over $1.15 million was wired transferred through Mericle Construction to the Pinnacle Group LLC linked to Ciavarella and Conahan.

No wonder Ed took himself out of Vice Presidential consideration. Almost $175,000.00 from just two donors. That is the way you show the public you have their interests above all others. I guess I didn't define who "their" is.

I could hear Santa now, On Daschell, On Dancing our way through this mess, In Hindreysite Fast Eddie will find a Mericle to deliver his gifts.