Tim Potts

The scope of Attorney General Tom Corbett's revelations Thursday stunned even reformers who have long labeled Pennsylvania's government among the most corrupt in the nation.

"I'm stunned by the breadth and width of what they're alleging," said Tim Potts, founder of Democracy Rising PA. "And that's really saying something considering I worked there for seven years ... it took me aback."

Reform activist Gene Stilp agreed, saying the attorney general "followed every taxpayer dollar.

"As a person who filed the original complaint, I'm just so impressed that he's done a thorough, thorough job," Stilp said.

Reaction from across the capital and state was swift as word spread the long-anticipated "bonusgate" charges, the first round at least, would be handed down today at 2 p.m.

A common thread has emerged each response: fasten your seat belt, today's presentment might be only the start of a roller coaster for Pennsylvania politics.

"In Pennsylvania, we use the term 'presentment,'" said state Rep. Will Gabig (R-Cumberland County), a former prosecutor in Dauphin and Cumberland counties. "It means 'the beginning.' It's not like, 'Oh, it's all over.'"

HARRISBURG -- Three years after the Pennsylvania legislature's pay-raise fiasco left scores of lawmakers jobless, reformers marked the infamous anniversary by talking about Pennsylvania's potential next great scandal -- "bonusgate."

Bonusgate is an investigation of elected officials giving taxpayer-funded bonuses to state workers in exchange for political work. Attorney General Tom Corbett, a Republican, says all four caucuses are being investigated, although House Democrats have emerged as the principal subject.

Reformers are hoping when the charges are announced, which most expect imminently, it will complete the reform started in the wake of the pay-raise.