GSA chief disputes report on Hatch Act violations

[sabra]

Source: GovExec

An attorney for Lurita Doan, head of the General Services Administration, argued Friday that President Bush should reject an investigative agency's report finding her in violation of the law that limits partisan political activity in the federal government.

In a 16-page response to the Office of Special Counsel's May 18 report that concluded Doan violated the Hatch Act when she asked at the conclusion of a January meeting how the agency could help Republican candidates, Doan's counsel, Michael Nardotti, said the investigation was not conducted objectively and a stigma of impropriety overshadows the case.

"When the record is examined in an objective, impartial and fair manner, it is clear that the conclusions of the OSC report are far off the mark and are based on tenuous inferences and careless leaps of logic," Nardotti stated. "We request that the Office of the President disapprove this report and submit this matter for consideration by an appropriate entity outside the OSC."

OSC declined to comment. The independent agency will review the letter and deliver a final report to President Bush.


Read more: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=37102&dcn=todaysnews

[windy252]

1. K & R

Depressing, but important to read this. Should be on greatest.

[bemildred]

2. "I am not a crook" -- Richard M. Nixon nt

[williesgirl]

3. ...and* will say she did nothing wrong regardless of report - recommended

[Demeter]

4. Well, then, Time for a Trial

If it takes conviction in a court of law, so be it. Rub their noses in it.

[Usrename]

5. I don't understand what they are talking about?!

"We request that the Office of the President disapprove this report and submit this matter for consideration by an appropriate entity outside the OSC."


I thought that the OSC was the appropriate entity. There doesn't seem to be any criminal liability for violating the Hatch Act (as far as I can tell), so who else, other than the OSC, would be an appropriate authority?

Are they talking about the Merit Systems Protection Board?

http://www.osc.gov/ha_fed.htm#penalties
Penalties for Violating the Hatch Act

An employee who violates the Hatch Act shall be removed from their position, and funds appropriated for the position from which removed thereafter may not be used to pay the employee or individual. However, if the Merit Systems Protection Board finds by unanimous vote that the violation does not warrant removal, a penalty of not less than 30 days' suspension without pay shall be imposed by direction of the Board.

[19jet54]

7. MSPB

The OSC investigates & makes a recommendation, but it can be appealed to the MSPB - Much like the Attorney General Prosecutes a case, but the Courts are the Appeal Process.

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. Do OVER!

That seems to be the Republican's best defense.

[benld74]

8. I am a Fed worker and let me just tell you all

it was a gross violation of the Hatch Act pure and simple

[annm4peace]

9. throw her in jail for 10years

My 68 year old mom watch the hearings with this lady on CSPAN.. my mom who rarely watches this stuff was yelling at the TV.."She outta be arrested and thrown in jail!".

and yes she also feels that way about Bush, Cheney, Rummy, rove..etc...

but this woman was trying to play the innocent dumb brunette. It was sickening.