HARRISBURG -- Former state House Speaker John Perzel and nine Republican co-defendants, sounding a generally defiant tone, appeared for their arraignments today on public corruption charges filed against them yesterday.

Mr. Perzel, who is still a House member from Philadelphia, stopped before the dozens of reporters and photographers outside a district judge's office and said, "This investigation has gone on for a long time. I am looking forward to proving my innocence in court." Once inside, he was assigned bail of $100,000, of which he must post $10,000.

Mr. Perzel's tone was echoed several times by lawyers of some of the other GOP officials and staffers accused of using public resources for political gains and trying to cover it up.

Former state Rep. Brett Feese, released on $100,000 bail by District Judge William Wenner, left his arraignment without commenting.

But his lawyer, Joshua Lock of Harrisburg, sharply criticized state Attorney General Tom Corbett for what he said was the "gratuitous, medieval cruelty" in having Mr. Feese surrender. He said it was very unusual ask Mr. Feese to present himself at the Lower Dauphin Township police station first, then go to the district judge's office. That's why Mr. Feese he went straight to the district justice's office, he said.

"People who find themselves in this position go through a great deal of anxiety," Mr. Lock said. "It is regrettable that this cruel, gratuitous procedure was used so he could be paraded in front of this assembled multitude" of reporters.

"When did you last see an arrest procedure like this -- during the French Revolution."

Later, an assistant attorney general, Ken Brown, said some lawyers "seem to think there is a differnce between white collar defendants and other felons such as drug dealers. The attorney general makes no distinction between felons. If you commit a felony you get handcuffed."

Mr. Lock said his client would not be making a plea deal with prosecutors. "We are going to trial," Mr. Lock told reporters. "Book your hotel rooms now."

Mr. Perzel's attorney, Brian McMonagle, showed up at court ahead of his client and told reporters, "This is the beginning of a long journey and it starts today."

Defendant Elmer "Al" Bowman arrived looking dejected and would not answer reporters' questions. Mr. Perzel's former chief of staff, Brian Preski, also had no comment.

Mr. Preski's attorney, Bill Winning, also said there will be a long battle ahead. "Brian Preski is innocent. He will be exonerated. He served the Capitol and his constituents with great distinction," Mr. Winning said.

Attorney William Fetterhoff, who represents Jill Seaman, said, "We expect and look forward to complete vindication."

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