Investigation: Winning Wine Kiosk Bidder Has Ties to Rendell

Shocked, I tell you. Shocked.

An investigation by WTAE-TV4 in Pittsburgh has revealed that the company awarded the contract to supply state-controlled wine vending machines has contributed more than $400,000 to Gov. Ed Rendell.

Pay to play, anyone?

From a report by WTAE-TV4 reporter Paul Van Osdol:

A Team 4 investigation finds that the idea of a vending-machine system to sell wine in Pennsylvania grocery stores will benefit two of Gov. Ed Rendell's biggest campaign contributors. One of them is a close friend of the governor.

Several years ago, a company called Simple Brands proposed putting wine vending machines -- or kiosks -- in grocery stores.

The Liquor Control Board put the plan up for bid and Simple Brands was the only company to respond.

Two of the main investors with Simple Brands have given Rendell nearly a half-million dollars in campaign contributions.

PA Liquor Control Board CEO Joe Conti, a Rendell appointee, said the agency went through a fair and open bidding process before awarding the contract to Rendell's friends.

I believe him, don't you?

You can watch the report at the TV station's Web site.