Ehrlich administration's hirings, firings to be investigated (NCPAC/Rumorgate mentioned)

Maryland Business Gazette ^ | 03/03/05 | Thomas Dennison

[conservative in nyc]

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. will launch an independent investigation into the Ehrlich administration's hiring and firing controversies after the legislative session ends.

Miller, who has resisted calls for a separate investigation, said he is examining state employee labor laws and has come to the conclusion that an independent investigation is needed.

--Snip---

Miller's willingness to investigate comes several weeks after Ehrlich (R) fired longtime aide Joseph F. Steffen Jr. for spreading rumors about Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley's marriage on the Internet.

"We're trying to define our role," Miller said in an interview, noting that he is becoming more disgusted with how the Ehrlich administration is treating state workers. "We're looking at some type of independent counsel to look at these issues because what is happening is wrong."

Miller said an investigation should not be a "witch hunt." "We're not going to be in the business of chasing down these O'Malley rumors or who was spreading them," he said. "We'll be looking at the role Mr. Steffen played and if there are others like him in other departments." He is also trying to figure out a way to protect state employees willing to report any abuse.

Miller said that while Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D) abused the spoils system at times, the Ehrlich administration is replacing career public servants for political reasons.

[conservative in nyc]

Miller said an investigation should not be a "witch hunt." "We're not going to be in the business of chasing down these O'Malley rumors or who was spreading them," he said. "We'll be looking at the role Mr. Steffen played and if there are others like him in other departments."

Now, why would a Democrat like Mike Miller not want to find out who was spreading the O'Malley rumors? Chickens coming too close to the roost, perhaps?

[conservative in nyc]

PING

[nopardons]

bttt

[HAL9000]

Miller said an investigation should not be a "witch hunt."

If Miller doesn't investigate the possible violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, it is a mere "witch hunt". That's the biggest legal violation alleged.