We knew it was going to be bad. We just didn’t know how bad.

Last week’s indictments announced by the office of Attorney General Tom Corbett paint a remarkably sleazy picture of Pennsylvania politics — at least as far as House Democrats are concerned.

Grand juries convened in both Pittsburgh and Harrisburg outlined what best can be described as a criminal enterprise funded by tax dollars. Not only did this scheme allegedly divert public funds and employees to support political campaigns, it also allegedly bankrolled a mistress for a top legislative aide and paid for meals after pickup basketball games.

Reading through the grand jury presentments, one gets the idea that tax dollars were remarkably easy to tap for any perks or privileges those in the loop wished to enjoy.

And here’s the real kicker: Corbett says this isn’t the end of it. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

So far, much of what the grand juries are alleging deals with political activity in western Pennsylvania. The focal point is Beaver County, as former state Rep. Mike Veon and current state Rep. Sean Ramaley are among the dozen individuals who stand accused of corruption charges.

But Lawrence County hardly escaped unscathed from last week revelations. Not only is Ramaley running for state Senate in the district that includes the city of New Castle and much of southern Lawrence County, New Castle City Councilman Chet Orelli Jr. has become a key figure in the attorney general’s probe.

Orelli, who previously worked as an aide to Veon, is now on the staff of state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, the Ellwood City-based state lawmaker. According to grand jury documents, Orelli is cooperating with prosecutors and has been granted immunity in exchange for his testimony.

In Monday’s edition of the New Castle News, Gibbons acknowledged the problem posed by Orelli’s link to the probe. He said he plans to meet with his aide this week to discuss Orelli’s employment. It’s a move that’s overdue.

And let’s not forget that earlier this year, former state Rep. Frank LaGrotta pleaded guilty to conflict of interest charges related to the hiring of his sister and niece. Although not directly tied to last week’s indictments, LaGrotta was accused as part of Corbett’s investigation into legislative wrongdoing.

So the Lawrence County connections to this scandal are substantial. And — taking Corbett at his word — there may be others involved.

Pennsylvanians must wait and see how all of this plays out. And New Castle residents should be asking Orelli some tough questions about his continued presence on city council.

But one thing is certain. This scandal has exposed a pattern of arrogance that existed in the Legislature. And although some changes have been implemented and some people have been replaced, we think there is still plenty of room for reform.

For starters, a more open and accountable Legislature will allow better public monitoring of its conduct. A penchant for secrecy encourages abuse.

And, we are now hearing renewed calls for constitutional amendments or even a constitutional convention to completely revamp the Legislature. It’s a great idea.