DOJ Attorney Committed ‘Severe’ Violation Running For Loudoun School Board As Democrat: Congressman
Congressman Demands Attorney General Fire High-Ranking Attorney for Violating Nonpartisanship Rules
A congressman on Tuesday wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland to demand that he fire a high-ranking attorney for violating nonpartisanship rules by running for the Loudoun County School Board as a Democrat in today’s state election.
Anne Donahue is on the ballot today in Virginia running openly as a Democrat, while she’s also employed by the DOJ — a “severe Hatch Act violation,” according to Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX).
Donahue is running for America’s most politicized school board, apparently unconcerned about possible punishment. Her boss Garland last year “sent a memo to notify officials that the DOJ would use its authority and resources to target parents at school board meetings and ‘prosecute them when appropriate,’” Jackson wrote.
Loudoun County was specifically pinpointed in the National School Boards Association letter justifying that action, which likened the father of a rape victim to a domestic terrorist for getting angry that Loudoun’s school system covered up the rape.
Donahue has seemingly executed on Garland’s message in her campaign. “On October 13, 2023, Ms. Donahue advertised a political event with Red Win & Blue Virginia, a Democrat political organization, saying, ‘Are you tired of the so-called ‘Parents Rights’ extremists attacking our kids and public education?’ The DOJ has been weaponized by the Biden administration against concerned parents at school board meetings, including labeling them as domestic terrorists,” Jackson wrote in a letter triggered by a Daily Wire investigation.
“Donahue has blatantly run as a Democrat for the ‘non-partisan’ At-Large position on the Loudoun County School Board, asking voters to join ‘us’ at a canvassing event in Leesburg for ‘…Democrats up and down the ticket!’ Additionally, federal employees are prohibited from using government resources for partisan political activities, which includes government time, under the Hatch Act. Yet, time and time again, Ms. Donahue’s political campaign twitter has been used during normal business hours to ‘like’ and ‘repost’ partisan political events.”
If Donahue wins in today’s election, only to have the campaign ruled a Hatch Act violation, it will be another black eye for a school system that has repeatedly violated rules in pursuit of politics — culminating in the criminal conviction of its former superintendent.
It also comes at the expense of the DOJ’s credibility, Jackson said. “Federal employees using their occupations for political gain tarnishes the credibility of our political system. I request that you investigate this matter to the fullest extent, and if necessary, terminate Ms. Donahue’s employment at once,” Jackson wrote.
Donahue was previously a top lawyer with the DOJ’s National Security Division, handling FISA warrants, which were abused to partisan ends to target associates of Donald Trump.
What are the potential implications for impartiality and fairness in the execution of government employees’ duties when they engage in political activities
/2021/10/Rep.-Ronny-Jackson-letter-to-AG-Merrick-Garland.pdf”>letter to Garland.
Jackson called on Garland to immediately terminate Donahue’s employment. “This is unacceptable. No DOJ employee, especially one in senior leadership, should be able to openly run for office, while being employed by the very agency they are campaigning against,” he wrote.
In his letter, Jackson also criticized the politicization of the DOJ under the Biden administration. “It is clear that the Biden administration and the DOJ have prioritized politics over the rule of law by selectively prosecuting Americans who dare to disagree with their far-left agenda. By allowing Ms. Donahue to continue in her role while running for office, the DOJ is setting a dangerous precedent that politicians can weaponize the federal government against their opponents,” he said.
The Hatch Act is a federal law that restricts political activities of federal employees in their official capacities to ensure nonpartisanship. Violations can result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of Hatch Act violations by government officials.
Donahue’s campaign for the Loudoun County School Board has attracted attention due to the highly controversial issues surrounding the board and its handling of various matters, including allegations of cover-ups and conflicts of interest.
It remains to be seen how Attorney General Garland will respond to Rep. Jackson’s demand to fire Donahue, and whether further action will be taken regarding the politicization of the DOJ under the Biden administration.
As the controversy surrounding Donahue’s dual roles unfolds, the nonpartisanship of federal agencies and the Hatch Act itself have come under scrutiny. It raises questions about the line between political engagement and professional responsibilities for government employees, and the potential implications for impartiality and fairness in the execution of their duties.
This situation serves as a reminder that the adherence to nonpartisanship rules is crucial to maintaining public trust in government institutions. The concerns raised by Rep. Jackson highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the actions of federal employees, particularly those in positions of authority and influence.
Ultimately, the decision regarding Donahue’s continued employment and the broader implications it may have will likely have significant ramifications for the future of the DOJ and its role in enforcing nonpartisanship rules. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether it will lead to institutional changes or further scrutiny of the politicization of federal agencies.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...