Another Republican Bites The Dust

This may not make into the national news, but here on Long Island, this is a very big deal.

Pete McGowan, the feared Islip Town Supervisor who ruled with an iron fist for decades, suddenly resigned yesterday after pleading guilty to two felonies and one misdemeanor. At age 69 and in ill health, Pete is facing 1-3 years in prison and has to pay restitution too. In an extraordinary move, he's also been directed to reimburse everyone who contributed to his "Friends of Pete McGowan" campaign (ie slush fund) war chest.

Seems that old Pete was dipping into his campaign chest for spa treatments, dinners, trips and other assorted personal expenses. The District Attorney got the goods on Pete, and so another Republican demi-God falls on his own sword.

The general comments seem to be that for a smart man, Pete did a very stupid thing.  

Update: McGowan pled guilty to three felonies, not two. The DA referred to McGowan's spending spree as a "year long Mardi Gras." The Republican machine is left in a shambles.