HARRISBURG -- A conservative watchdog group has launched an advertising campaign to persuade lawmakers to disband the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, which it called corrupt.

It includes a poster and two-minute online video with CSI-like images of a photo pinup board showing connections between commission officials whom are referred to variously as "the Capitol's original godfather" and "the globe-trotting chief who hired a web of family and friends."

The commission needs to go, said Matthew Brouillette, president of the Commonwealth Foundation, which launched the advertising campaign this week.

"It's clearly one of the most corrupt, scandalous, patronage-laden agencies that exists," he said at a news conference on Thursday.

The only way to eliminate the commission, he said, is to lease the turnpike. That's one option the Legislature is considering as a means of raising money for roads, bridges and mass transit. A competing proposal would raise the funds by making Interstate 80 a toll road under the commission's control.

Mr. Brouillette declined to say whether bidders for the turnpike lease provided funding for the advertising campaign, which cost $30,000 to $40,000. He said it is the foundation's policy to keep donors' names private.

Contributors do not affect policy decisions, he said. He said that his group has been railing against the turnpike commission for most of the group's 20-year history, long before the lease plan was under consideration.

The video and poster point out political, business and family connections between employees and top officials, including commission Chief Executive Officer Joe Brimmeier and state Sen. Vincent Fumo, D-Philadelphia, who has exerted influence over the commission for many years. They also allege nepotism, wasteful spending and inside deals.

Mr. Brimmeier called the video and poster "a smear campaign that is undeserving of a response."

He said the commission has a high credit rating "from independent professionals who look at our financial performance, not political activists with an ax to grind."

Mr. Fumo's office said the senator had no comment.

The video and poster are being sent to lawmakers and news media statewide. They can be viewed online at www.TurnpikeFacts.com.