HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Deputy House Speaker Josh Shapiro is the latest Democrat to call for House Democratic leader Bill DeWeese to resign in the wake of the "Bonusgate" political corruption scandal.

Shapiro, D-Montgomery, told reporters Monday that DeWeese does not have the voters' trust or the ability to fix a system that he said is clearly broken.

Last month, state Rep. Matt Smith, D-Mount Lebanon, said he agrees with other Democratic lawmakers who want DeWeese, D-Greene, to step down.

"I think the time has come for Rep. DeWeese to relinquish his post as majority leader, for the good of the Democratic caucus, for the good of the Democratic party, the general assembly, but more importantly, the good of Pennsylvania taxpayers," Smith said during a news conference at the public safety building on Washington Road.

DeWeese is not facing any charges. He has denied having knowledge of alleged illegal activities in "Bonusgate" and said there is no reason for him to step down.

Twelve current or former House Democratic members and staffers have been charged in the ongoing investigation. One of the suspects is DeWeese's former chief of staff, Michael Manzo.

State Reps. Harry Readshaw of Pittsburgh's Carrick neighborhood, John Yudichak of Luzerne County and Bill Keller of Philadelphia have also asked DeWeese to resign.

---

Related Links:

• More County News
• Add Us To Your iGoogle Or My Yahoo Page
• Download Our Free Desktop Alert For Breaking News

---