Just when you thought it was safe to go back into Harrisburg's political waters, the Legislature is going back in session next week.

For the House and Senate, Sept. 15 will mark the first time either chamber has convened since state Attorney General Tom Corbett charged an ex-lawmaker, a current representative and several House staffers — all Democrats — with illegally using taxpayer dollars to reward campaign work.

The pressure has been mounting for Democratic House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese to step down from his post, even though he was not among those charged. And the probe has begun to peer more closely at House Republicans after staffers were subpoenaed last month.

Will the four caucuses use the time to discuss energy, health care and other issues or chatter about the charges? And you thought it difficult to get business done in the Legislature on a normal day.

Add in that the Senate Republicans, who have a 29-21 edge, are refusing to convene after Election Day, it will be a wonder if anything gets accomplished.

Native sons

If I asked you to name the only Pennsylvanian elected president, you'd probably say, "Duh" and point to James Buchanan's stately manor along Marietta Avenue.

However, can you name the only Pennsylvanian ever to serve as vice president? That would be George M. Dallas, who was James Polk's running mate in 1844 and one of Buchanan's political rivals.

Who's counting?

Some readers questioned the Intelligencer Journal report that an estimated 15,000 people attended Sen. Barack Obama's rally in Buchanan Park last week and suggested the figure was inflated.

Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray provided the number, which resulted from two separate estimates: one by Lancaster City Bureau of Police and the other from Lancaster City Bureau of Fire. Both estimated 15,000 between the crowd inside the fencing and those who didn't make it but stayed in the park to listen.

Having covered this kind of event for years, I'd say they were pretty close.

Quotes of the week

"What else do you expect them to do? That's what they do every four years. I've been called worse on the basketball court, and I don't spend a lot of time worrying about it."

— Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama, speaking in Buchanan Park about Republican attacks during the GOP's convention last week.

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"The reaction has been anger because Republicans want to know why those questions of experience aren't being asked of Barack Obama. I'd argue she's much more experienced than (Obama) is to be president, let alone vice president."

— Mike Barley, state GOP spokesman, about Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin facing questions targeting her experience.

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"If McCain wins the state, it's likely he wins the presidency. If (Obama) can win the state, it makes it much more difficult for McCain to win the White House."

— G. Terry Madonna, director of Franklin & Marshall College's Center for Politics and Public Affairs, about the importance of Pennsylvania in the presidential race.

E-mail: dpidgeon@lnpnews.com