Hatch Act violation??

For anyone who has never worked for the Federal Government, the Hatch Act may seem like a very dry bit of federal law. For federal employees (civilian and military) its front and center, especially in election years. To put it simply, federal employees are NOT allowed to engage in political operations and all agencies are not allowed to be political by hosting candidates for campaign rallies.

It also means federal employees cannot work for or against a candidate or a proposition. While a get out the vote drive or registering people to vote would technically be OK, it would be frowned upon because it could easily cross the line. One could help people fill out a voter registration form but if they suggest which party to join, then its a BIG no-no.

So when Kerry went to NASA and held a campaign stop, did he violate the Hatch Act? Its being investigated by the Office of Special Council who handles all Hatch Act violations. From the article, it appears no violation took place but it did come close. NASA employees to attended the "Town Hall" event had to take vacation time from work, and the building the event was held in was a federal auditorium that rents out its space to all who want to use it for what ever lawful purpose. The tour afterwards could be a problem since Kerry wasn't there on official Congressional business.

It will be interesting to see if anything more is written about this or if the matter drops.