If those "Dem operatives" you say Botelho hired were, indeed, former Tier 1 state officials, never retired in PERS, and in their new state positions earn higher salaries than they formerly did, then, yes, that could affect their 3 high calculation.  However, if any of these folks had retired on PERS then went back to work for the state, their new position will not affect the 3 high from when they formerly worked in a PERS position, prior to retiring.  Rather, their new position begins a new, separate retirement (eventually) that doesn't affect their previous retirement benefit calculation.