For some aides with first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of the House Democratic caucus, the truth will apparently keep them free.

As Attorney General Tom Corbett pursues the investigation into bonuses paid for campaign work against 12 House Democrats — including former House Minority Whip Mike Veon — several staffers have been granted immunity to tell their stories about campaigning with public resources. Chief among them is Eric Webb, former director of member services for House Democrats and a driving force behind the bonus scheme that sparked the case.

A grand jury report states Webb was granted immunity and provided “extensive and detailed” testimony about a list of staffers who did campaign work for House Democrats and were rewarded with taxpayer-funded bonuses.

The 72-page report also details Webb’s testimony about opposition research conducted during state time by Democratic aides and increased efforts by aides who helped Democratic lawmakers in the 2006 elections after the hated 2005 pay raise.

At least four other Democratic staffers were given immunity, according to the grand jury report. They testified before the grand jury about being assigned to work on the campaign trail with bogus leave time and receiving state-funded contracts for campaign work, among other things.

Attorney general spokesman Kevin Harley declined to say if more people have been offered immunity, but he said “cooperating witnesses are important in this investigation

Read the Rest…