HARRISBURG -- In a widening investigation into allegations of government corruption, prosecutors have interviewed 20 to 30 House Republican staffers in the last two weeks, caucus spokesman Steve Miskin confirmed yesterday.

Other staffers had been interviewed as long ago as last year, he said, although he could not say how many.

Mr. Miskin said he is not aware that any Republican lawmakers were interviewed.

"The process has been ongoing and we've been absolutely scrutinized to the same degree [as the Democratic caucus]," Mr. Miskin said.

Attorney General Tom Corbett said he is investigating all four legislative caucuses to determine whether state resources were used to finance political campaigns. So far, the probe has resulted in 12 arrests of current and former staffers and lawmakers, all from the House Democratic caucus. They include former Minority Whip Mike Veon of Beaver Falls and Rep. Sean Ramaley, D-Economy.

Most of the arrests stem from an alleged scheme to distribute millions of dollars in state money to staffers who worked on campaigns.

Spokesmen for the Senate caucuses could not be reached yesterday afternoon.

The Republican staffers who were interviewed are being represented by attorneys from Kirkpatrick, Lockhart & Gates in Pittsburgh who are being paid by the caucus.

The House Democratic caucus, which so far appears to be the focus of the probe, also is paying attorneys to represent the more than 100 staffers who provided grand jury testimony. The bill so far is at least $1.4 million.

Kirkpatrick, Lockhart & Gates has not yet billed the Republican caucus, and Mr. Miskin could not estimate costs.