en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatch_Act_of_1939
Carl Hatch of New Mexico, the law was officially known as An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities. The act precluded federal employees from membership in "any political organization which advocates the overthrow of our constitutional form of government."
Maryland, the political clout of federal dollars nationwide in the midst of the depression was undeniable; even without malfeasance, programs like the WPA attracted votes.
Republicans, however, were convinced that WPA workers had gone further, intimidating staff members, pressuring clients, and using public funds for political purposes.
Hatch, himself a Democrat, saw this as outright corruption which should not be tolerated under any circumstance by either political party, a feeling shared by most of his colleagues in the Senate.
edit Content The original Act forbade intimidation or bribery of voters and restricted political campaign activities by federal employees. It prohibited using any public funds designated for relief or public works for electoral purposes. It also forbade officials paid with federal funds from using promises of jobs, promotion, financial assistance, contracts, or any other benefit to coerce campaign contributions or political support. The most restrictive measure was brought about by Republicans in the Senate. It dictated that persons below the policymaking level in the executive branch of the federal government must not only refrain from political practices that would be illegal for any citizen but must abstain from "any active part" in political campaigns.
George H W Bush, and the veto override failed in the House. Nonetheless, Section 7324 of The Hatch Act provides an exemption to the ban on political activities to: an employee paid from an appropriation for the Executive Office of the President; or (ii) an employee appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, whose position is located within the United States, who determines policies to be pursued by the United States in the nationwide administration of Federal laws.
htm In 1993 Congress amended the Hatch Act to allow Federal employees to take an active part in political campaigns for Federal offices. While there are still some restrictions on what Federal employees can do, there is now greater latitude given to their participation. Thanks to changes in the Hatch Act, active Federal employees have been able to participate in campaigns for President, Senate, and House of Representatives.
edit Hatch Act DOs and DON'Ts Below are the primary guidelines that active Federal employees need to follow when working or volunteering on a political campaign for federal office. Remember, though, that just because the Hatch Act doesn't say "NO," that doesn't mean it's legal.
edit Extension to state and local workers The Hatch Act also applies by extension to certain employees of state and local governments whose positions are primarily paid for by federal funds. It has been interpreted, for instance, to bar employees of state agencies administering federal unemployment insurance programs from political activity.
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