Jim:
rface has stated that he copied it from a pdf file and made errors in transition, so it likely isn’t word-for-word. I also believe the email header will tell you whether it can be traced back to the attorney’s office, or some other location associated with the DNC. There is traceroute software out there that can do that beyond header info (which I’m pretty sure you’re already aware of).
It would be interesting to know exactly where that email originated. Obviously, if it’s from the attorney’s office, or the DNC itself, it’s not a hoax. If it’s from somewhere else, then all bets are off and someone, somewhere may have used their organizations illegally.
Oh, it’s real all right. A google of the lawyer guy’s email address that I replied to last night and received a reply back today with a plain text copy of the letter goes straight to his page on the DNC lawfirm’s web site.