That gigantic thud you heard early Sunday morning was perhaps an aftershock of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s bombshell story on “bonusgate” rippling through the state political arena.

The newspaper got its hands on a bunch of e-mails between top aides in the Democratic caucus that “make clear that taxpayer-funded bonuses were given to legislative employees for their work on election campaigns.”

“In startlingly blunt language, a group of aides, at points working under the direction of then-House Minority Whip Michael Veon, D-Beaver, rated the political work of state employees, sometimes adjusting the amounts of the bonuses based on time they spent in the field or, in one instance, in getting presidential candidate Ralph Nader off the Pennsylvania ballot,” the Post-Gazette reported.

The gentleman pictured above is Scott Brubaker, the former chairman of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee. Before he was forced out by Rep. Bill DeWeese, he had been the director of staffing and administration for the Democratic caucus.

Here’s one e-mail exchange between Brubaker and DeWeese’s chief of staff, Mike Manzo, as reported by the newspaper:

Mr. Brubaker had something of the same opinion about his own political work, telling Mr. Manzo at one point that he thought one staff member, Jonathan L. Price, a policy analyst, deserved more money in his year-end bonus.

“26 days in the field along with oppo plus the $$. He’s a star compared to me,” Mr. Brubaker said, suggesting his own bonus was excessive.

“Good point on Price,” Mr. Manzo replied. “Add another grand. You’re staying put though!!!!”

“Will do. On both,” Mr. Brubaker responded. “Thanks so much. Very generous.”

“Enjoy,” Mr. Manzo responded. “Get yourself that new truck!!!”