McCaskill Says Obama Didn't Follow The Law In Inspector General Firing

WASHINGTON — A Democratic senator on Tuesday joined Republicans in questioning President Barack Obama's firing of the internal watchdog for the federal AmeriCorps program.

Gerald Walpin, the national service agency's inspector general, was dismissed over his handling of an investigation of the mayor of Sacramento, Calif., Kevin Johnson, an Obama supporter during the presidential campaign.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., said the president failed to follow a law she sponsored, which requires that he give Congress 30 days advance notice of an inspector general's dismissal, along with the cause for the firing. Obama merely said he had lost confidence in Walpin.

"Loss of confidence is not a sufficient reason," McCaskill said. "I'm hopeful the White House will provide a more substantive rationale, in writing, as quickly as possible."

Late Tuesday, Obama's special counsel offered some details in a letter, saying Walpin engaged in "trouble and inappropriate conduct."

Norman Eisen sent a letter to McCaskill, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, describing Walpin as "confused, disoriented, unable to answer questions" during a May meeting. Eisen said the behavior led board members to question his capacity to serve.

"Mr. Walpin had become unduly disruptive to agency operations, impairing his effectiveness" and lost the confidence of the board, Eisen wrote.

Last week, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, asked for information on any role first lady Michelle Obama's office may have played in the decision.

Story continues below

Grassley requested "any and all records, e-mail, memoranda, documents, communications or other information" related to contacts with officials in the first lady's office.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Mrs. Obama played no role in the president's decision to remove Walpin.

Michelle Obama's former chief of staff, Jackie Norris, is expected to join the Corporation for National and Community Service as senior adviser on June 22.

White House counsel Gregory Craig, in a letter to Grassley, cited criticism of Walpin's investigation of Johnson, a former all-star point guard for the Phoenix Suns professional basketball team.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., also asked the White House for documents on the firing.

"Despite the requirement to notify Congress in advance of firing ... the White House moved swiftly to sack an investigator who uncovered wrongdoing and abuse by a political ally of the president," said Issa, senior Republican on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

In September 2008, Walpin's office found misuse of federal grants by Johnson and the St. HOPE Academy, a nonprofit education program he founded. Johnson and St. HOPE ultimately agreed to repay half of $847,000 in grants they had received from AmeriCorps between 2004 and 2007.

Comments

[DJ23]

AmeriCorps Board Member: We Initiated IG Firing
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/06/americorps_board_member_we_initiated_ig_firing.php?ref=fpa

The White House's decision to fire the AmeriCorps inspector general was set in motion by a unanimous request it received from the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which asked the White House to review the IG's performance, according to a board member.

The firing "would not have played itself out" were it not for the fact that the board raised concerns about the IG, Gerald Walpin, after the May 20 board meeting, a board member told TPMmuckraker. The board member added that the White House had no role in encouraging the board to make the review request, calling it "completely board-initiated." The White House had cited the request from the board in its letter to Congress explaining the reason for Walpin's firing.

Since the firing, Walpin has claimed that he was fired because the White House objected to his pursuit of an Obama ally, Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, in an investigation into the misuse of federal funds. Some conservatives have trumpeted those claims.

The board member explained that the board had had "serious concerns" about Walpin's judgment, dating to before the May 20 meeting, causing board members to fear the "potential damage [Walpin] could cause to the corporation" through his erratic behavior. But the board membe

[DJ23]

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/06/americorps_board_member_we_initiated_ig_firing.php?ref=fpa

Late Update: A second board member confirms to TPMmuckraker that it was the board's concerns that led to the firing.

The second board member said that the board had unanimously directed its chair, Alan Solomont, to inform the White House of the board's serious concerns about Walpin's performance, and that Solomont had done so.

"No action would have been taken if the board had not, on a bipartisan basis, directed the chairman" to talk to the White House, said the second board member. The move was "entirely unanimous -- no division at all."

As for what had caused the board's concerns in the first place, the second board member again echoed the first, saying that the board had had worries about Walpin since before the May 20 meeting, but called his performance at the meeting, "the capper.

At that meeting, said the second board member, Walpin made "ad hominem attacks on individuals that we thought were completely uncalled for." The second board member declined to elaborate on the nature of those attacks

The second board member also referred to an investigation of the IG's office conducted by staff for CNCS's Equal Employment Opportunity unit, after a complaint. The second board member said that, according to the staffers conducting the probe, Walpin's response to the investigation had been "intimidating." The second board member claimed to be unaware of the nature of the original complaint

[tallyho1]

he man highly touted as Kevin Johnson's replacement at St. HOPE Public Schools outlined a list of legal and ethical concerns about the operation of the charter schools in an eight-page resignation letter.

Among Rick Maya's claims is that a member of the charter schools board deleted Johnson's e-mails during a federal investigation into the misuse of public funds at St. HOPE Academy. That allegation came as news to the Office of the Inspector General and U.S. attorney's office, both of which were involved in the investigation.

Maya also wrote in the letter, which The Bee obtained through the Public Records Act, that the board of directors is made up of the Sacramento mayor's loyalists, who Maya claims want to oust him for trying to report and correct problems.

Johnson's mayoral spokesman, Steve Maviglio, said Tuesday that Johnson could not comment, citing threatened litigation. But, Maviglio said, "These allegations are unfortunate and untrue."

http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1876477.html

[DJ23]

AmeriCorps Board Member: We Initiated IG Firing
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/06/americorps_board_member_we_initiated_ig_firing.php?ref=fpa

The White House's decision to fire the AmeriCorps inspector general was set in motion by a unanimous request it received from the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which asked the White House to review the IG's performance, according to a board member.

The firing "would not have played itself out" were it not for the fact that the board raised concerns about the IG, Gerald Walpin, after the May 20 board meeting, a board member told TPMmuckraker. The board member added that the White House had no role in encouraging the board to make the review request, calling it "completely board-initiated." The White House had cited the request from the board in its letter to Congress explaining the reason for Walpin's firing.

Since the firing, Walpin has claimed that he was fired because the White House objected to his pursuit of an Obama ally, Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, in an investigation into the misuse of federal funds. Some conservatives have trumpeted those claims.

The board member explained that the board had had "serious concerns" about Walpin's judgment, dating to before the May 20 meeting, causing board members to fear the "potential damage [Walpin] could cause to the corporation" through his erratic behavior. But the board member added that "the events of the 20th raised the board's concerns from concerns about his . . .

[DJ23]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/17/mccaskill-says-latest-wh-letter-puts-it-in-compliance-with-the-law/

Sen. Claire McCaskill — a key Senate critic of the way the Obama administration launched the removal process for the government's Americorps watchdog — said Monday the White House's new letter accusing Gerald Walpin of being "disoriented" and "unduly disruptive" had brought it into compliance with legal requirements.

"Last night, in response to my request for adequate information on the firing of Inspector General for the Corporation for National and Community Service Gerald Walpin, the White House submitted a letter to Senators Lieberman and Collins that now puts the White House in full compliance with the notice requirement in the law," the Missouri Democrat said in a statement issued Wednesday.

"The next step for Congress is to use the 30 days provided by the notice to seek further information and undertake any further review that might be necessary. The reasons given in the most recent White House letter are substantial and the decision to remove Walpin appears well founded."

The statement echoes her comment on Twitter earlier in the day. "The letter from the White House late yesterday is certainly compliance with the law as to reason for removal," she tweeted in response to a query from a Missouri reporter.

[ebanks84]

Why do we have to question the TRUTH? And, what difference does it make who's telling it? We should be glad that someone is looking out for our best interest for a change and applaud her for questioning the act in the first place.

I don't know what you people want. I don't think YOU know what you want either. Truth will surely prevail with you or without you. Make your choice and be happy for a change.

[GuyP]

Anyone that wants to know more should definitely read this: http://www.cncsig.gov/News.html

and also Walpin's response to misconduct allegations in regards to the St. HOPE investigation:
http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/pcie_response.pdf

[ebanks84]

Thank you. I love making up my own mind for investigating the issue in its entirety.

[powerlift2201]

The IG made some very telling statements to Fox News (of course) that show he deserved to be let go. McCaskill first says he didn't follow the law then he did?

Walpin was a typical Bush appointee GOP bully. He thought he was powerful enough to do what he wanted, when he wanted. He deserved to be fired and he was.

[ebanks84]

Where is that link for the IG statements to Fox News. I am anxious to read this and know a little bit more myself. Thank you.

[flapjack]

What were those "telling" statements?

[ebanks84]

It never fails to surprise me how ignorant some people are that DO NOT READ an entire article and submitted links either.

How many of you have hogtied Obama and the Inspector General in more ways than one is amazing. You don't even have enough information to make an intelligent decision one way or the other, yet you have plenty of mouth to espouse your ridiculous reasons for dissing both of these people.

That's America. Speak first and think later!

[flapjack]

Well Obama did not follow the law and provide the reasons. So when someone in power tries to subvert the law, people tend to draw their own conclusions.

[DJ23]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/17/mccaskill-says-latest-wh-letter-puts-it-in-compliance-with-the-law/

Sen. Claire McCaskill — a key Senate critic of the way the Obama administration launched the removal process for the government's Americorps watchdog — said Monday the White House's new letter accusing Gerald Walpin of being "disoriented" and "unduly disruptive" had brought it into compliance with legal requirements.

"Last night, in response to my request for adequate information on the firing of Inspector General for the Corporation for National and Community Service Gerald Walpin, the White House submitted a letter to Senators Lieberman and Collins that now puts the White House in full compliance with the notice requirement in the law," the Missouri Democrat said in a statement issued Wednesday.

"The next step for Congress is to use the 30 days provided by the notice to seek further information and undertake any further review that might be necessary. The reasons given in the most recent White House letter are substantial and the decision to remove Walpin appears well founded."

The statement echoes her comment on Twitter earlier in the day. "The letter from the White House late yesterday is certainly compliance with the law as to reason for removal," she tweeted in response to a query from a Missouri reporter.

[tallyho1]

Obama should be hogtied we would better off!

[cariintexas]

Whose behind Mc caskill, all smiles. why that's Johnny Mc cain.

[flapjack]

What's your point?

[Lasnoe]

Why is this news....? lol

Is what Obama did with GM and Chrysler legal????

Was giving the lions share of the company to the UAW over rightful stakeholders who paid money to have that position legal?????

If you want to get technical.... bailouts, national health care, governmental stimulus to states funded by other states are all violations of the constitutional limits put on the federal government.....

But hey, why be bound by document that's "outdated".... right?????

its amateur hour!

[ebanks84]

And why are you commenting? Same reason. Because you want to make a statement and so does HP, I presume!

[Lasnoe]

you missed the point..... HP has been missing the point as well.....

[tallyho1]

My understanding is that by law which Obama co-sponsored and voted for you have to give 30 day notice to congress before you fire an Inspector General and you have to show just cause!!!!!

[cariintexas]

See Claire, the rightwing loves you.

[flapjack]

Interesting...

Anyone that believes in the law should love her.

[tallyho1]

Amazing huh!

[burt2009]

Obama makes the rules and changes the rules, so who needs any stinking rules?

[tallyho1]

I say fire everybody even congress!!!!!

[betty22]

never had a real job... what do you think..... he only spouts fabulous community hot air organizing speeches

[ebanks84]

And you spout what? The same ole same ole nothings in our ears!

[tallyho1]

That is what you get from a Community Organizer Alinsky style!!!!!

[mitchieone]

Finally someone's covering this. This new emperor's really starting to suck.

[3Dubyadot]

barry does not have to follow the law, he is the king. According to some polls he has a 96% approval rating in the african american community. Only dictators have that kind of rating because people are afraid to speak out. barry is a joke and is quickly losing support even from his own party. The general public is beginning to waver on him as seen in post and headlines on Huff Po. America is beginng to see him for what he is and starting to look for the next guy wether it be Dem or GOP. I can hear it now "anyone but barry".

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

And lucky for you, African American's were not the only ones that voted for him (you may want to check your statistics.....Pew Center states 86% approval rating among that demographic).

If you're going to try to make a logical argument, you may want to start with the ingredient that is woefully missing in your post....logic.

[Marnie1]

You go Girl. Keep this Administration up to the mark. That will help keep a bright light on the Bushie dysfunctional adminstration.

[VotingPresent]

Is Bush still President?

[billybam]

This is like the FOX News coverage of this event. Please review all the facts. Walpin's conduct was referred for review by the Integrity Committee of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. The referral came from the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California, a career prosecutor who was appointed to his post by the Bush Administration. It appears, like so many Bushies, the investigation was politically motivated. The case was settled in court, and the settlement was approved by the Bush appointed prosecutor. But that wasn't good enough for Walpin who continued to push more investigations.
I love how all the facts about this are never included

[GuyP]

When you reviewed all the facts, did you review the special report to congress written by the OIG? What investigation was politically motivated? Walpin's investigation of St. HOPE? The investigation was initiated by the Corporation, when they asked the OIG to investigate St. HOPE, Walpin did not take it upon himself to do it. Even if it was politically motivated, Johnson was still defrauding the federal government of over half a million dollars.

Also, the settling of the case in court did nothing, if you actually read the report. Johnson was required to pay back just over $70,000, which he could then get reimbursed from his organization. St. HOPE was responsible for the rest of the $400,000 settlement, over a 10 year period. Walpin brought up that there was no way St. HOPE would be able to pay back that much money, as they were already insolvent to begin with. Johnson was off the hook for defrauding the government of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the settlement also took him off the list of people who man not receive federal money, so now, as mayor of Sacramento, he can receive millions more dollars, which will probably be misused as well (although obviously that's just conjecture)

http://www.cncsig.gov/PDF/StHope/StHOPEFIN.pdf