HUD investagated! for firing Contractor after he said he didn't like Bush

http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2006/05/14/news/national_world/2a11fcd1e75e1f9e8625716d0011d38c.txt

"He didn't get the contract," Jackson told the group, according to the newspaper. "Why should I reward someone who doesn't like the president, so they can use funds to try to campaign against the president? Logic says they don't get the contract. That's the way I believe."


Inspector general looks into HUD secretary's comments about rejecting anti-Bush contractor

WASHINGTON (AP) -- An inspector general is investigating Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson's comments to a business group that he rejected an advertising contract because the contractor had criticized President Bush.

(snip)

"Alphonso Jackson has admitted that what he said earlier was improper, that it was a mistake and the president accepts that and still supports a man with whom he's had a long and close relationship," White House press secretary Tony Snow said.

Meanwhile, the Congressional Research Service issued a memorandum saying it would violate federal law -- and perhaps the Constitution -- to deny a contract to someone because of his or her political affiliation. The memo was released Friday by Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., who had requested the opinion.

"Contracts may not be awarded on the basis of personal or political favoritism, and all potential contractors should be treated with complete impartiality and with preferential treatment for none," said the memo, signed by John Luckey, a lawyer with the nonpartisan research service.

(snip)

Jackson said that when the man approached him to thank him for the contract, the contractor said he didn't like Bush.

"He didn't get the contract," Jackson told the group, according to the newspaper. "Why should I reward someone who doesn't like the president, so they can use funds to try to campaign against the president? Logic says they don't get the contract. That's the way I believe."

(snip)

link: http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2006/05/14/news/national_world/2a11fcd1e75e1f9e8625716d0011d38c.txt

Their stories and intimidation policies against anyone who isn't a bushbot is unbelievable. No one could have believed this would happen in our country.

But then, how many could have believed McCain would kiss the ass of Falwell? Times, they are changing.

:grr:

wasn't sure it was for real. There's a process in federal contracting, for goodness sake. I must say, it gives me hope that an inspector general is looking into it. It's totally un-American, IMO - we hand out contracts on a "lowest bidder" basis :P