See this Pennsylvania news story, in which Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese denies knowing about bonuses for Democratic legislative staffers for doing political work. Although this particular newspaper story does not mention what kind of political work was involved, part of the work involved helping with the challenge to Ralph Nader’s petition in 2004.

The news about the scandal is coming at just the right time, as Nader is pressing ahead with his lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee and its alllies for its efforts to keep him off various state ballots in 2004, and also as he is fighting in court to keep his challengers from raiding his bank account.

The Peace & Freedom Party of California is holding six presidential debates in different parts of California. The party’s ballot has these 7 candidates listed: Stewart Alexander, John Crockford, Stanley Hetz, Gloria LaRiva, Cynthia McKinney, Brian Moore, and Ralph Nader.

The only listed candidates who will appear at all six debates are Stewart Alexander, Brian Moore, and Gloria LaRiva. Neither Ralph Nader nor Cynthia McKinney will attend any of the debates. However, Peter Camejo will speak for Nader at the first two debates. PFP candidate John Crockford will participate in the Fresno debate.

The first three debates are: 7 pm, Friday, January 11, Sacramento, Sierra Center for the Arts, 2791 24th St; 1 pm, Saturday, January 12, San Francisco, Brava Theater, 2781 24th St.; 2 pm, Sunday, January 13, Fresno, City College Forum Hall 101.

There will also be debates in Los Angeles on January 14, Riverside on January 15, and San Diego on January 16. Check www.peaceandfreedom.org web page in the near future for details on the southern California debates. The Riverside debate will be at Zacatecas Restaurant, 2472 University Ave., at 7 pm. The San Diego debate will be at Hot Monkey Love Cafe, 6875 El Cajon Blvd., at 7 pm.

Two election law cases were argued in the U.S. Supreme Court in early October 2007. One is from Washington state and one is from New York. Neither decision has come out yet, and neither one will be out this week.

Many election law attorneys and professors are anxiously awaiting the oral argument on Wednesday, January 9, in the Indiana photo voter-ID case. The questions and comments from the Justices may give some clues as to how the justices feel about voting rights.