That is probably the immediate problem but there are also the federal affirmative action rules and EEO guidelines.
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=sheriffsuit20m&date=20060120&query=Sue+Rahr
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=sheriff12m&date=20060112&query=Sue+Rahr