In article <CMM.0.90.2.711668992.kristoff at genbank.bio.net> kristoff at GENBANK.BIO.NET (Dave Kristofferson) writes:
>> > There is something called the "Hatch Act," I believe, which prohibits
>> > federal employees from engaging in political lobbying. You might not
>> > like this and it also seems somewhat strident to me, but that is the
>> > law currently.
The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from participating in
partisan campaigns. It does not restrict their freedom of speech.
A federal employee is quite free to express an opinion in any
forum and in any manner about any candidate or any issue as long
as it is not part of a campaign. One may write letters to the
editor, write articles, or display statements of approval or
disapproval.
Exactly what a "campaign" is will be decided by the judge, I suppose.
Some federal employees are exempt from the act.
Certain activities might give the appearance of violation without
actually being a violation. There might be ethical considerations
in this case. I think that Dr. Kristofferson may be worried about
this latter problem, perhaps with justification.
You can call the office of the Counsel to the President at
(202) 653-7143 or -7188 for more information. If you're planning
something illegal, don't tell them about it --it's their job
to catch you.
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--Brad Sherman
My political opinions are available upon request.
