I was curious whether US Attorney Laura Duffy did anything wrong by contributing to Carl DeMaio. Instead of accepting Bob Filner’s accusations that she violated the Hatch Act, I decided to research it for myself.
A simple search on the world wide web of the term “Hatch Act” directed me to the following site. The federal government webpage clearly defines activities that Federal employees are permitted to participate in.
They include:
– May register and vote as they choose.
– May assist in nonpartisan voter registration drives.
– May participate in campaigns where none of the candidates represent a political party.
– May contribute money to political campaigns, political parties, or partisan political groups.
– May attend political fundraising functions.
– May attend political rallies and meetings.
– May join political clubs or parties.
– May sign nominating petitions.
– May campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, or municipal ordinances.
– May be a candidate for public office in a nonpartisan election.
May express opinions about candidates and issues. If the expression is political activity, however – i.e., activity directed at the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group – then the expression is not permitted while the employee is on duty, in any federal room or building, while wearing a uniform or official insignia, or using any federally owned or leased vehicle.
I’ve highlighted the relevant points since Mr. Filner is calling for her resignation based on two actions. Ms. Duffy contributed to the DeMaio campaign for Mayor and Ms. Duffy expressed her opinion using a private email that he acted inappropriately at a political forum. Both of these acts are clearly permitted by the Hatch Act according to the Federal Government.
Mr. Filner is purposely attacking Ms. Duffy and attempting to damage her professional reputation by implying wrongly action because she supports DeMaio. He is either unable to understand the law or, more likely, purposely attacking her reputation to avoid the issue that she brought up in her email: that he behaved inappropriately at a Jewish temple.
Bob Filner should learn about class from someone like Laura Duffy.