Tom Gannon flat-out lied to my face the other night. As he was canvassing my neighborhood, I challenged him about his excessive use of taxpayer-funds for franking privileges. To be fair, I conceded that both parties exploit this power of incumbency. (Heck, The Gov has practically made himself the patron saint of Pittsburgh tourism recently.)

But I pointed out that I’d received no fewer than four mailings from Gannon’s legislative office on glossy or card stock in six weeks. All paid for by the people of Pennsylvania. This has gone well beyond quarterly newsletters.

Mr. Gannon, got in my face and yelled, “I AM the the sitting legislator of this district!” poking his finger at me repeatedly. And he vehemently insisted that he sends out just as many mailings throughout the year. That was a lie.

I asked him whether he would support the pledged legislation of several Republican candidates to do away with a significant share of the slush funds for franking. “Absolutely not!” insists the Rep.

Let’s just see this for what it is. Gannon has had this seat for 28 years. He considered it “his,” including all of the perks that come with it. I’m sure he resents having to give back his unvouchered expenses. When an opportunity arose last November repeal the wildly unpopular pay raise, he was one of only two who representatives who did not vote. (And only after Judge Nigri had been oustered by an angry electorate, did he make any effort to get on the record with a too-late repeal vote.) He spends $650 of tax money every month on a leased vehicle, instead of at least taking a less expensive state fleet vehicle, or none at all.

None of it should come as a suprise. That leopard will not change his spots.

Above Average Jane continued her series of interviews with state house candidates by talking with Bryan Lentz. (Isn’t Jane awesome?) This response from Bryan was music to my ears. And Bryan better know that I’ll be holding him to his word:

AAJ: Tom Gannon voted for the pay raise, took unvouchered expenses and was excused on the repeal vote. When running against Curt Weldon you criticized his ethical lapses. Given that state legislators have access to per diems and vehicle allowances with little oversight and no lobbying disclosure rules, what can you tell your future constituents about your plans to be ethical? (Source: Lentz, Bryan, “It’s time to clean house, Huffington Post 2/06/06)

Lentz: I am going to follow the rules before they become rules. I am going to be an open book and I will pay for my own car and expenses. My only special interest will be the interest of my constituents and I will not be wined and dined by anyone other than my wife.