Brad Bumstead predictions for 2009

Brad Bumsted, the excellent state capitol reporter for The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review takes out his crystal ball and makes some predictions for 2009.

Among them:

* A verdict in Vincent Fumo corruption trial could have an impact the 2010 governor's race.

* Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett's political future depends on the successful prosecution of Democrats implicated in the Bonusgate corruption scandal. The more Democrats Corbett puts away, the more likely he will move into the Governor's Mansion.

* A showdown between lame duck Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and Republican Lt. Gov./Senate Pro Temp Joe Scarnati, over the state's fiscal mess could lead to a shutdown of state government in July.

Read the full column at the newspaper's Web site.