Treasury Department Illegally Working for * Campaign

[Viking12]

WASHINGTON - The Treasury Department directed career employees to analyze tax ideas proposed by presidential candidate John Kerry and other Democrats after a request from House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, officials said Wednesday.

snip

Although federal law prohibits civil servants from working on political campaigns while on duty, Treasury Department attorneys concluded the work was appropriate, Treasury spokesman Rob Nichols said. That's a core functionality of the department," Nichols said. "Doing the analysis is proper, it's prudent, it's appropriate. It's our obligation to do it."

snip

The Office of Special Counsel advises that federal employees cannot "use official authority or influence to interfere with an election" or "engage in political activity while on duty."


http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/8323640.htm


I doubt there is any precedent that supports Nichols claims. We need to demand that * reimburse the Treasury Department for services rendered.

[trogdor]

1. So, if they get to cherry-pick the data...

...it's still OK?

Hey, can I pass out Kerry stickers at my Reserve unit, or does the Hatch Act still apply for Democrats?

[DeepModem Mom]

2. I think it's the principle, not the reinbursement --

this is a clear abuse of power.

[Viking12]

3. I agree....

I was just thinking that drumming on the reimbursement could make two points at once 1) the wasteful personal spending; add to this *'s "official business" trips that are nothing more than stump speeches on the taxpayer's dime, i.e. his visit to WI Tuesday AND 2) the gross abuse of power.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. Word!

[salin]

5. and violation of the Hatch Act.

I believe it is illegal.

[DeepModem Mom]

6. Well, there's that, too....

[Zorra]

7. Too bad they didn't analyze Bu$h's tax ideas and fiscal policy.

The Outstanding Public Debt as of 01 Apr 2004 at 08:52:59 PM GMT is:

The estimated population of the United States is 293,688,103
so each citizen's share of this debt is $24,329.41.

The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$1.96 billion per day since September 30, 2003!

http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/

If they did, how can anyone in their right mind take their findings seriously?