The attorney for state Sen. Jane Orie whose computers were seized by a district attorney's investigators is calling a county grand jury probe a "political hack job."

Defense lawyer Jerry McDevitt told The Associated Press that Allegheny County detectives searched the suburban Pittsburgh office of Orie, R-40th, on Friday.

Part of her district covers southern Butler County.

McDevitt said District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. supported Jack Panella, a fellow Democrat who ran against the senator's sister in November's race for a Pennsylvania Supreme Court seat. Joan Orie Melvin won the seat.

The district attorney apparently wants to determine whether the senator's staff broke laws by making political calls or doing other political work on behalf of her sister's judicial campaign, McDevitt said.

"They sealed the search warrant so nobody can tell (what the investigation is about specifically), but it's a political hack job is all it is," McDevitt said today.

"The basic thing they're trying to do is smear Jane Orie. Zappala was openly campaigning for Panella."

Zappala's spokesman released a two-sentence statement when asked to comment on McDevitt's claims.

"If the attorney for the senator has confirmed the existence of an investigation by the Allegheny County Investigative Grand Jury, then it is neither necessary nor appropriate for this office to comment further," the statement said. "As for statements about the District Attorney and/or his family, counsel is clearly posturing on behalf of his client."

McDevitt contends Zappala is also targeting Sen. Orie because she's has pushed for reforms to limit political contributions by gambling industry executives and investors.

Last month, House Gaming Oversight Committee Chairman Dante Santoni Jr. wrote former Justice Zappala to ask why no one from the Pennsylvania Casino Association is a registered lobbyist and to request specific information about the association, its members and activities.

The former justice responded by saying he didn't think the group had violated any laws.