Political Influence Probe Grows
The probe into partisan political influence in government is taking place on more than one front.
A House committee is seeking information about political briefings given to government employees by aides to political adviser Karl Rove, the Washington Post reports. The Hatch Act restricts political activities of government workers and protects them from political coercion.
Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is asking 27 government departments and agencies to release the information voluntarily.
The Office of Special Counsel, also investigating the briefings, has worked out procedural details with White House counsel Fred Fielding.
A White House spokeswoman maintains the briefings were lawful and says she doubts it will agree to turn over the information.
