Investigators say governor spent thousands of dollars at Pat’s while claiming loyalty to Geno’sPHILADELPHIA --- A political bombshell hit Philadelphia today when it was revealed that Governor Ed Rendell has been patronizing Pat’s Cheesesteaks after 21 years of commitment to Geno’s.
The scandal came to light after Rendell’s bank informed federal investigators of the transfer of large sums of money to Pat’s. Through wiretaps, investigators determined that Pat’s employees were referring to the governor when an order came in for “Client Nine.” It also appears that the governor ordered the same items repeatedly, as one worker is quoted as saying, “Yup, same as in the past. No question about it.”
Political analyst Terry Madonna isn’t surprised by the event. “Food has always been his downfall," the Franklin & Marshall professor said today. "He’s probably cheated [on Geno] hundreds of times, but this is the first time he’s been caught.”
Reaction from Geno’s customers was swift. “You can cheat on your girlfriend and you can cheat on your taxes, but you don’t cheat on Geno,” landscaper Noah Swayne said. “And Pat’s? Pat’s? Doesn’t the man have any taste?”
The governor made only a brief statement to reporters. With Geno at his side, Mr. Rendell said, “I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standards I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my cheesesteak provider.”
Geno made no comments and kept his eyes downcast throughout Rendell’s statement. They left the room together as reporters shouted questions about Rendell’s political future.
