Gamers

AP: HARRISBURG, Pa. — The first trial of Republicans in Pennsylvania's corruption scandal is under way in Harrisburg.

Lawyers are making opening statements Monday before a Dauphin County jury of six men and six women. Judge Richard Lewis has said the trial could last eight weeks.

The defendants are former Rep. Brett Feese, a one-time House GOP whip; Brian Preski, chief of staff to former House Speaker John Perzel; and former Feese aide Jill Seaman. They are accused of participating in a scheme to illegally spend millions of taxpayer dollars on technology and other public resources to boost GOP election campaigns.

Six other Republicans pleaded guilty and may testify for the prosecution. Among them is Perzel, who prosecutors say was the ringleader.

While we maintain the real crime is the longstanding cesspool that is Republican party voter suppression, it's a trip to comprehend all the different levels on which these people attack our democracy. This particular bit of illegality not only games the system, but steals from the taxpayers to do it. Outrageous, really, and not hugely remarkable only because the Republican party does this kind of stuff all the time.