Shapiro says McIlvaine Smith shouldn't be hurt by Bonusgate

DENVER-Two years ago, state Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-Abington) helped put Barbara McIlvane Smith in office by helping supervise a recount that handed her the 156th Legislative District seat by a mere 28 votes. Today, if Attorney General Tom Corbett is to be believed, McIlvane Smith is one of many Democratic candidates who benefited from the Bonusgate scheme that saw legislative staffers working on political campaigns.

But Shapiro, one of the state's rising political stars, says any political fallout from Bonusgate should not affect McIlvane Smith.

"She's not responsible for anything that transpired in the least," Shapiro told PolitickerPa.com this morning.

McIlvane Smith faces Republican Shannon Royer, the same candidate she barely edged in 2006.

"I think Barbara is going to do great," Shapiro said. "She's been working hard in her district. She's been a great state Rep."

FOR COMPLETE CONVENTION COVERAGE from PolitickerPA.com, click here.