Mike Griffin May Be a Great Engineer But …

Mike Griffin After Nine Months, Orlando Sentinel

“Orlando Sentinel: 2006 is an election year. Your predecessor, Mr. [Sean] O’Keefe, went out and campaigned for some candidates. Do you plan to do the same?

Griffin: No. I don’t know if Mr. O’Keefe did that or not, but my understanding of the Hatch Act is that I am prohibited from engaging in political activities or supporting particular candidates. So I certainly will not be doing that.”

Editor’s note: Let me get this correct, Mike: are you saying publicly that Sean O’Keefe may have broken the law? You really should check with the experts on things like this – and what you can and can’t do as a Senate-confirmed, Presidential appointee.

Political Activity and the Federal Employee, OSC (PDF)

“Special considerations for employees appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and employees paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President.

Employees paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President and employees appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, whose position is located within the United States, and who determine policies to be pursued by the United States in relations with foreign powers or in the nationwide administration of Federal laws may engage in political activity: while on duty; in any government room or building; while wearing a uniform or official insignia; and while using a government vehicle, if the costs associated with the political activity are not paid for by money derived from the Treasury of the United States.”