R. Budd Dwyer, American educator and politician, 30th Treasurer of Pennsylvania (b. 1939)

Robert Budd Dwyer: A Pennsylvania Politician's Ascent and Tragic Downfall

Robert Budd Dwyer (November 21, 1939 – January 22, 1987) was a prominent American politician whose career in Pennsylvania culminated in a shocking public tragedy. His tenure in state government spanned over two decades, marked by service in both legislative and executive capacities before his life ended in a widely broadcast, fatal act. Initially building a reputation as a fiscal conservative and dedicated public servant, Dwyer began his political career representing segments of Pennsylvania's electorate.

Dwyer's Political Career in Pennsylvania

Dwyer's journey in Pennsylvania politics commenced in the state legislature. He served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1965 to 1971, where he actively participated in shaping state policy. Following this period, he successfully ran for the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the state's 50th district from 1971 to 1981. His legislative career provided him with a deep understanding of state governance and positioned him for a higher executive role. On January 20, 1981, Dwyer was sworn in as the 30th State Treasurer of Pennsylvania, a position he held until his death on January 22, 1987.

The Pennsylvania Tax Overpayment Scandal and Recovery Contract

The circumstances that led to Robert Budd Dwyer's legal troubles began unfolding in the early 1980s. It was discovered that thousands of Pennsylvania state workers had inadvertently overpaid their federal income taxes. This significant financial discrepancy, totaling millions of dollars, was attributed to errors in state withholding practices that predated Dwyer's administration as Treasurer. To rectify this systemic issue and ensure each affected employee received appropriate compensation, the state of Pennsylvania was compelled to secure a multi-million-dollar contract for a firm to accurately calculate and manage the intricate recovery process. This vital contract became the focal point of a major corruption investigation.

Bribery Allegations, Conviction, and Dwyer's Persistent Denials

In 1986, the investigation into the state's recovery contract culminated in serious charges against Robert Budd Dwyer. He was accused of accepting a substantial bribe from a California-based firm, Computer Technology Associates (CTA), which ultimately won the lucrative multi-million-dollar contract. Prosecutors alleged that Dwyer, in exchange for the contract, accepted a kickback amounting to $300,000. This alleged illicit payment was reportedly funneled through intermediaries, including John Torquato Jr., a former state Republican Party chairman, and William T. Smith, a former state party official who later cooperated with federal investigators. Following a high-profile trial, Dwyer was found guilty on a total of 11 counts, which included charges of conspiracy, mail fraud (related to the use of mail in the bribery scheme), perjury (for allegedly lying under oath), and interstate transportation in aid of racketeering (involving the movement of funds across state lines for illegal activities). His sentencing was scheduled for the following day, January 23, 1987.

The Tragic and Public Suicide

On January 22, 1987, the day before his scheduled sentencing, Robert Budd Dwyer called an unexpected press conference in the state capital of Harrisburg. The room was packed with reporters, photographers, and television camera crews, anticipating a resignation or a final statement of defiance. Instead, Dwyer delivered a lengthy, somewhat rambling speech, passionately reiterating his innocence and denouncing the justice system, the media, and even members of his own staff whom he perceived as betraying him. In an act that stunned the nation and was captured live by some news crews, Dwyer produced a .357 Magnum revolver from a manila envelope. Despite desperate pleas from those present, he fatally shot himself in front of the assembled reporters. Dwyer's suicide, an unprecedented event in American politics, was subsequently broadcast to a wide television audience across Pennsylvania and, in some cases, nationally, leading to widespread shock and debate about the ethics of broadcasting such graphic content.

Controversy, Legacy, and Posthumous Affirmations

Throughout his trial and even after his conviction, Robert Budd Dwyer consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he was a victim of political persecution and that the charges against him were fabricated. His claims fueled ongoing debate and sympathy among some segments of the public, particularly in his home district. However, in 2010, former U.S. attorney James West, who prosecuted Dwyer's case, publicly affirmed Dwyer's guilt, stating unequivocally that "the evidence against Dwyer was overwhelming and indisputable." All posthumous appeals filed by Dwyer's legal team on his behalf were consistently denied by the courts, and his convictions for corruption were ultimately upheld, solidifying the legal judgment against him. Robert Budd Dwyer stands as one of three former Pennsylvania State Treasurers, alongside Barbara Hafer and Rob McCord, to have been convicted of corruption charges since the 1980s, marking a troubling pattern in the state's political history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Budd Dwyer

Who was Robert Budd Dwyer?
Robert Budd Dwyer was an American politician who served as a Republican in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and State Senate before becoming the 30th State Treasurer of Pennsylvania.
What was Robert Budd Dwyer convicted of?
Dwyer was convicted in 1986 on 11 counts, including conspiracy, mail fraud, perjury, and interstate transportation in aid of racketeering, stemming from a bribery scheme related to a state contract.
How did the corruption scandal involving Dwyer begin?
The scandal originated from a state contract issued to recover millions in overpaid federal taxes by Pennsylvania state workers, an error that occurred prior to Dwyer's administration. He was accused of accepting a bribe from the firm that won this contract.
How did Robert Budd Dwyer die?
Robert Budd Dwyer died by suicide on January 22, 1987, during a live press conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the day before he was scheduled to be sentenced for his conviction.
Did Robert Budd Dwyer maintain his innocence?
Yes, throughout his trial and even after his conviction, Robert Budd Dwyer adamantly maintained his innocence, claiming he was a victim of political persecution.
Were Dwyer's convictions ever overturned?
No, all posthumous appeals made on Robert Budd Dwyer's behalf were denied, and his convictions for corruption were upheld by the courts.