On Sept. 28, 2005, lobbyist Dick Gmerek flew aboard a state-owned airplane with John Estey, Gov. Ed Rendell's chief of staff.
They traveled from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh and back to attend a meeting regarding the University of Pittsburgh's capital budget process.
The governor's office says Mr. Estey determined it was "necessary for the conduct of state business" to have Mr. Gmerek along.
Gmerek reimbursed the state for the cost of the September trip -- $1,114 -- on Dec. 5, 2005.
Five years ago, Estey, an attorney, represented Gmerek before the state Supreme Court in a case that overturned Pennsylvania's lobbyist disclosure law.
Gmerek represents gambling clients. Mr. Rendell has three appointments to the seven-member state Gaming Control Board.
Kate Philips, Rendell's press secretary, says gambling wasn't discussed on the flight; she denies even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
This smells.
What made it so "necessary" for Gmerek to fly along with Estey?
What "business" did this high-profile lobbyist discuss with his one-time legal benefactor who now is Rendell's top aide?
John Estey helped Dick Gmerek scotch the lobbyist disclosure law; there's no legal obligation to reveal what transpired aboard that state airplane.
That, however, does not relieve them of their moral obligation.
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