The chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform has sent an interrogatory letter to White House Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough about the possibility that the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach might be "...using taxpayer money improperly to advance the interests of Democratic Congressional candidates and the Democratic Party..."
An Oversight Committee dispatch today also announced that a letter was sent to the head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner inquiring about "...the involvement of former Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis at a political fundraiser supporting President Obama’s reelection campaign in 2012, also in possible violation of the Hatch Act."
The chairman stated today that "...The Hatch Act requires a clear dichotomy between the constitutional and statutory duties officials and any political or campaign-related activities in which they engage...Unfortunately, it appears the White House has determined it is appropriate to use taxpayer money in an effort to achieve electoral success..."
Earlier this year the White House reinstated the Office of Poltical Affairs, according to Issa, "...for the purpose of 'defending Democratic control of the Senate and taking back the House from Republicans'..." in spite of a report by the Office of Special Counsel, which is tasked with the enforcement of the Hatch Act, "...that found the basic structure of the OPA violated federal law and that the political activities of OPA staff amounted to a misuse of taxpayer funds..."
The letter to McDonough declares that "... President Obama closed the Office of Political Affairs in 2011, just days before the U.S. Office of Special Counsel issued a report that found the basic structure of OPA violated federal law, and that the political activities of OPA staff amounted to a misuse of taxpayer funds."
It states further that "...the White House failed to consult with the Office of Special Counsel regarding the reopening, despite the agency's 2011 report calling into question the legality of OPA's use of taxpayer money to support political campaigns."
Issa says in the letter that News reports describe the new OPA as a "one-stop shop for all things midterms." He states that reportedly the office is "back in full swing, providing real-time, constant communication between the White House and the myriad political groups working to elect Democrats this year."
Issa continues:
"...In January 2011, after Republicans captured majority control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2010 midterm elections, the White House announced that OPA would close. Days later, OSC released its report calling into question the existence of OPA. The report concluded that OPA facilitated a 'systemic misuse of federal resources, and that this misuse was not unique to the [George W. Bush] administration...The White House apparently relocated OPA operations to the Democratic National Committee. In fact the DNC and OPA were so closely aligned that the White House political director took over the 'day-to-day duties of running the Democratic National Committee.' President Obama reportedly eliminated OPA to prevent duplication with the DNC and Obama reelection campaign..."
Issa also alleges the "rebranded" version of the OPA appears to be undertaking "precisely the same political activities" that raised questions in the past. The new name for the office is the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach."
Issa says the new office will focus on "...the needs of Democratic candidates for Congress, including fundraising..." and that it will "...even sign off on 'direct mail and email blasts.'..." and that "...the new political director will be permitted to engage in 'overtly partisan activity' on White House grounds..." Issa states:
"...The White House is also apparently coordinating with Senate leaders to align the legislative calendar with the Administration's efforts to help Senators facing difficult reelections. Indeed, the Washington Post has recently reported that the new head of OPA takes part in biweekly strategy meetings with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's executive director and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's chief of staff. In OSC's 2011 report, the agency wrote 'strategically supplying targeted candidates with administration support to secure electoral gains' is 'the type of electioneering proscribed by the Hatch Act.' Unfortunately, it appears the White House has determined it is appropriate to use taxpayer money in an effort to achieve electoral success..."
Issa asks for "all documents and communications, including e-mails, related or referring to the Office of Political Strategy and Outreach or the reopening of the Office of Political Affairs, as soon as possible, but by no later than noon on April 1, 2014..." and asks McDonough to make arrangements to brief the Oversight Committee staff by March 25th.
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