“Home district” was a familiar term in the vocabulary of Bill DeWeese of Greene County during his 35 years in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, many as a powerful legislative leader.

But last Monday “home district” gave way to “home institution” as DeWeese, who in February was convicted of corruption, began a two- to five-year prison term.

DeWeese reported to Dauphin County Prison, with his next stop targeted as Camp Hill State Prison.

At Camp Hill, he is to undergo several weeks of testing and assessment before being assigned to a “home institution” within the prison system.

Meanwhile, DeWeese, who resigned from his seat in connection with his sentencing, remains on the Nov. 6 general election ballot in his district — and, judging from the strong support he received over the years, it's possible that he will be the top vote-getter in the fall balloting, even though he would be unable to serve.

Based on his leadership role for so many years and how he violated the public trust, an even-longer prison term would have been appropriate. All considered, he should regard himself as fortunate that the relatively short duration of his punishment will allow him to pursue constructive endeavors after his release. He's 62 — certainly young enough to return to productive employment.

Judging from the revolving door in the state capital, it would not be surprising to find him working as a lobbyist, despite his criminal record.

DeWeese was convicted of conspiracy, conflict of interest and three counts of theft for using public resources for political purposes. Those are the same kind of charges that apparently will end the legislative career of state Sen. Jane Orie, R-40th, who was convicted on March 26 of 14 counts related to the misuse of her taxpayer-funded staff for campaign purposes.

Orie, who represented the southern part of Butler County, had built a strong reputation as an effective lawmaker and was considered a rising star.

Over the years, DeWeese wielded much influence in the General Assembly.

In both the case of Orie and DeWeese, believing that they could bend the rules — and were above the law — ended up casting a pall over all the good they had accomplished.

Both cases demonstrate one of the dangers in making public service a permanent career.

The need for virtually uninterrupted campaigning sometimes leads to questionable regard for the public and the financial and human resources state residents provide for their state government by way of their taxes.

No matter what he does after prison, DeWeese will remain an embarrassment amid all the good that the Keystone State represents — just as other former lawmakers such as Vincent Fumo of Philadelphia and Mike Veon of Beaver County will remain poster boys for the Harrisburg entitlement culture.

It's to be hoped DeWeese will take advantage of the opportunity that his “home institution” will provide to reassess what went wrong with his attitude and handling of power. People in his home district can only wonder what would have been if he had wielded his power and influence in the right way.

Like Orie, he made a mess of his career and will be paying a big price for his wrongdoing.