What, we’re enforcing that again? I thought it got set aside for Comey.
One of the risks is the media could (and would) toss a question at some low level guy who then gives his opinion.
Next day, the headlines would say “Government spokesman reveals plans to murder all gingers” or something.
So anything that could be used, misused, misinterpreted, or misrepresented, should come from a person at the appropriate level to speak policy, and authorized to act as the official spokesman for his agency.
Set aside ONLY for Comey apparently.
She should have been fired. Just like this agent should be.
That has literally nothing to do with the Hatch Act. I suggest you read something, anything, about the Hatch Act.
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WorkingatFDA/Ethics/ucm071602.htm
In 1939, Congress approved landmark legislation known as the Hatch Act to limit the political activities of Federal employees, employees of the District of Columbia and certain employees of state and local governments. In 1993, legislation was passed that substantially amended the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993 permit most Federal employees to take an active part in partisan political management and partisan political campaigns. While Federal employees are still prohibited from seeking public office in partisan elections, most employees are free to work, while off duty, on the partisan campaigns of the candidates of their choice. Permitted and prohibited activities for employees who may engage in partisan activities are as follows:
Permitted Activities:
•May express opinions about candidates and issues
Prohibited Activities:
•May not use their official authority or influence to interfere with an election (cough COMEY! cough)
•May not engage in political activity while on duty
•May not engage in political activity in any government office
I plead ignorance. But be aware, that the mandatory training that is given on a regular basis, by the ethics and legal guys comes through to the rank and file as being far more restrictive.
So it looks like the agent did not violate the Hatch Act after all. But chances are, she did violate some other policy. At the very least, it was poor judgment.
At any rate, what I said about the media just grabbing some random jerk to quote, could and would happen.