Sexual Harassment Charges Against Alcee Hastings

Alcee Hastings has long been a magnet for controversy. As a federal judge, Hastings was convicted by the U.S. Senate in relations to a bribery scandal. Amazingly, the Senate did not forbid Hastings from running for public office. This shows how much members of the Senate respect the integrity of public office.

Roll Call reports that Hastings with House committee staffers. Never a good idea. Hastings told the Office of Congressional Ethics this nugget.

Hastings also allowed that he had wondered aloud during bar-time chitchat how members - especially females - can wear the same underwear for an entire day on the Hill but added he did specifically comment to Packer.

Who the hell say things like that out loud around co-workers?

I usually stay away from sex-related scandals. The reason I am blogging about this is because Winsome Packer has filed a discrimination against Hastings, and Helsinki Commission staff director Fred Turner. The OCE released a report stating the Winsome claims that Hastings and Turner engaged in "unwelcome sexual advances, sexual comments, and unwelcome touching." Judgement should be reserved to all the facts are gathered. However, the allegations should be treated seriously.

The OCE found that some of Winsome's claims have been corroborated by evidence. The OCE has found enough evidence to continue investigating. This is quite different than the write up given by Roll Call.

Turner is listed in the repiort as a non-cooperating witness. Turner has refused to hand over his laptop. Marlene Kaufman turned in her laptop with the hard drive erased. Hastings is listed as a cooperating witness.

According to the report, Hastings took Packer to a business dinner to discuss the commision position on Nienna. Hastings told Packer that when she moved to Vienna he could come visit her at her apartment. Hastings later called Packer at her Virginia home and asked if he could come over. Hastings continued to press Packer about staying with her in Vienna.

Packer told Turner that she was not in a relationship with Hastings. Apparently, this took Turner by surprise. Turner told Packer that he would talk to Hastings.

Packer told an FBI agent that Hastings would use group settings as an opportunity to hug her. Packer also told the FBI agent that Hastings called her from a hotel lobby and told her he was waiting for her.

Hastings asked Packer about her underwear. Hasting told the OCE he often makes comments wondering how staffers can stay in the same underwear for 16 hours. In what work setting is this comment proper?

Packer again complained to Turner about the behavior of Hastings. It appears Turner did not have that talk with the Congressman.

The OCE report has emails and notes written by Packer. This could sink Hastings career

Will Justice Department Challenge Florida Election Law

The Florida Congressional delegation asked the Justice Department to investigate the new election law signed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Florida Democrats Seek Investigation of Radical Elections Overhaul

Deutch Authors Letter to Department of Justice

(Boca Raton, FL) Today, the Democratic congressional delegation of Florida united to express their serious concerns over H.B. 1355, the radical and far-reaching overhaul of Floridians’ voting rights currently awaiting Governor Rick Scott’s signature. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Representatives Ted Deutch (FL-19), Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23), Kathy Castor (FL-11), Frederica Wilson (FL-17), Wasserman Schultz (FL-20), and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) request an evaluation of the bill to determine possible violations of the Voting Rights Act. The Department of Justice has the authority to review state law and block implementation if provisions are determined to disenfranchise voters.

“The role of government should never be to curtail the registration of newly eligible voters or hinder Americans from exercising the most fundamental democratic right afforded by our Constitution,” the delegation writes. “We are confident that any honest examination of this legislation will determine that it is in clear violation of the Voting Rights Act.”

H.B. 1355 contains unprecedented restrictions of the voting rights of Floridians. It all but eradicates voter registration drives conducted by volunteer-based, third party groups like the League of Women Voters, the Boy Scouts of America, and the NAACP. The legislation will also force dozens of legitimate voters to cast provisional ballots by eliminating a decades-old law enabling Floridians with proper identification to update their names and addresses at the polls due to a military family move, marriage, or divorce. H.B. 1355 also slashes the early voting period from 14 days to 6, posing a special challenge to working Floridians and elderly voters who cannot wait on the long lines of Election Day. Additionally, the bill places new restrictions on the validity of absentee ballots, determining them illegal if signatures do not closely enough match those on older state documents.

Read more »

How Obama Is Ducking DADT

"Absolutely I will filibuster or stop it from being brought up until we have a thorough and complete study on the effect of morale and battle effectiveness."

Sen. John McCain, promising to filibuster any attempts by Senate Democrats to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Meanwhile, former Obama deputy campaign manager Steve Hildebrand recently said, "The White House applied no pressure to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Obama has the Justice Department appealing the ruling of Judge Virginia Phillips. The New York Times editorial board put the dishonesty of Obama's position in context.

To hear the administration tell it, lifting the prohibition on gay men and lesbians openly serving in uniform would undermine global combat operations. In truth, the real potential for harm is to gay service members if the injunction is held in abeyance.

Phillips ruled "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is unconstitutional. Obama could let the ruling stand and start letting gays and lesbians serve openly. It would be hard for Republicans to turn the tide once the new policy is in place.

Obama said he wants Congress to approve the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Obama is only saying that now because he knows Democrats do not have the votes to end the policy. Last year Congressman Alcee Hastings had an amendment in the Defense Department bill to end the policy. Democrats had a filibuster-proof majority. The White House reaction was to force Hastings to drop the amendment. Hastings said this himself.

"Due to pressure from some of my congressional colleagues and from the White House, I have withdrawn my amendment," he said. "I would, however, like to note that it is most unfortunate that we are not addressing 'don't ask, don't tell' at this time."

It certainly was. That was the window of opportunity. Obama is terrified of being faced with the prospect of having to sign or veto a bill that ends "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Obama is a man who had gay basher Rick Warren at his inauguration. Obama threw the pro-choice and feminist movements under the bus by signing an executive order making it harder for women to get an abortion. Obama simply does not care about social issues. The President looks at progressive positions on social policies as an impedment to his political survival.

Why DADT Is Obama's Failure

In July 2009, Alcee Hasting got 76 Democrats and Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to back a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the House. Hasting sent this letter to President Barack Obama asking for an end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The United States of America prides itself on having the finest military in the world because of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women. And yet, under 10 U.S.C. § 654 (Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces), better known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the talents and contributions of our openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members continue to be ignored simply because of who they are. Every day, we lose approximately two service members to this misguided, unjust, and flat-out discriminatory policy. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is not only an injustice to them, but a disservice to the U.S. military and our country as a whole.

The White House responded by forcing Hasting to dop his repeal amendment from the Defense Department bill. Hastings went on-record saying the White House was not going to back the repeal.

``Due to pressure from some of my congressional colleagues and from the White House, I have withdrawn my amendment,’’ he said. ``I would, however, like to note that it is most unfortunate that we are not addressing `don’t ask, don’t tell’ at this time.’’

After the amendment was dropped, Hastings wrote a letter to President Obama asking for a repeal of DADT. Hastings was brushed off. Obama was too concerned about appeasing social conservatives who would never vote for him.

To Harry Reid's credit, he took up a vote for a repeal of DADT. Reid failed to break the 60 vote Senate filibuster. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor voted against the bill. Reid voted against the bill so the bill could be taken up again.

Does anyone recall Obama leaning on Senators to vote for appeal of DADT? Obama leaned on the Senate to protect law that does not allow Medicare to negotiate for cheaper pharmaceutical drug prices.

Many Democrats, especially committee chairmen and liberal lawmakers, were chaffed at the backroom deal Baucus and the White House struck with the drug industry, a perennial boogeyman for the political left.

“We don't represent their stockholders, we represent our stockholders, which are the taxpayers,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

There is more support for ending DADT than the Obama-backed health care bill. It is not surprising the party that produced Mark Foley and Larry Craig would pander to the base by voting against repeal of DADT. What is Obama's excuse? Neoliberalism needs to die. The sooner the better.

Hasting Protests Too Much

Rep. Alcee Hastings is threatening to keep black voters from President Barack Obama in 2012.

"What I will not do is be a willing worker for the President in 2012," Hastings told the Palm Beach Post.

Hastings must think he is dealing with a white president. Obama doesn't need Hastings. The first black president doesn't doesn't need a former impeached judge to help him sway black voters. The black vote is Obama's most loyal base. What this is about is Hastings throwing a public hissy fit over Obama keeping Kendrick Meek at arm's length. Meek is a lose-lose for Obama.

If Obama comes to Florida to stump for Meek he will unfairly get blamed for Meek losing. Another reason Obama wants to stay clear is Meek is a corrupt candidate with ties to indicted developer Dennis Stackhouse.

It isn't Obama's fault Meek had a lousy fundraising quarter and is polling below Jeff Greene. Meek is painfully boring to listen to and has absolutely no charisma. Meek also doesn't know how to run a campaign. The incompetence of campaign manager Abe Dyk and new media director Kenneth Quinnell is staggering. His campaign team has been pounding that Meek is the "true Democrat" in a year voters are looking for alternatives to establishment politicians. The Meek campaign could not keep Florida Democrats from backing Charlie Crist. The Meek campaign is dead. There is no reason for Obama to stump for a corpse.

Kendrick Meek Death Watch: No Obama Support

Politico has an article on Kendrick Meek supporters and the Black Caucus are upset at President Barack Obama for his lack of support. Rep. Alcee Hastings makes his disapproval clear.

"If they do not step up their support for Kendrick, then they cannot expect that I and my allies will support them in 2012," Hastings said, after describing the West Wing's treatment of Meek as "poor."

The Meek campaign is no longer going to maintain their bullshit spin about Obama backing the campaign 100 percent.

Anti-Abortion Amendment Will Get Floor Vote

Democrat Bart Stupak and Republican Joe Pitts are are holding the House heath care bill hostage. Their amendment will bar federally funded insurance from providing abortions. This isn't surprising. The amendment will get an up or down vote on the House floor.

The amendment should give pause to thoughts of the Christian Right being dead. Christian Right activist Jordan Sekulow explains how Christian conservatives pressured the House on the amendment.

You may think we're exaggerating on Christian radio when we ask you to "join the fight" by calling your representatives and signing our petitions. Early this morning, around 1 a.m., all the petitions, phone calls, and grassroots activism paid off. Today, when the House debates HR 3962, the Stupak-Pitts pro-life amendment will receive an up or down vote. Nancy Pelosi and pro-abortion Democrats buckled at the last minute in their race to gather the necessary 218 votes to pass HR 3962 later tonight.

Why? Because you signed petitions, made phone calls, and let your voice be heard.

Sekulow exaggerates the Christian conservative pressure. The amendment would not have made the floor without a Democratic sponsor. Bart Stupak is willing to sabotage health care reform for his conservative agenda. That doesn't mean that Congress isn't afraid of the Christian Right. Democrats have not press for abortion rights during health care reform. The fact is every time Republicans try to ban abortion they fail. South Dakota is one of the most difficult states to get an abotion. Republicans and the Christian Right couldn't get the votes needed for a state ban. Democrats could use abortion as a wedge issue against Republicans. Democrats don't because they lack the political courage.

Ian Samuel tweets how Democrats to run a primary opponent against Stupak.

A Republican hasn't won Stupak's district since FDR. He won by 32 points in '08. Primary, primary, primary

You can send an email to your representative and voice your disapproval on the Stupak-Pitts amendment.

Update: Call Congress and tell them to vote no on Stupak-Pitts anti-abortion amendment. 202-730-9001

Update: Stupak claims to have for his anti-abortion amendment. There are only 178 Republicans in the House. Stupak would have to pull 42 Democrats. If his claim is true. The Blue Dog caucus has 52 members. That is the most likely place for Stupak to pull votes. Stupak is not a member of the caucus.

RH Reality Check provided a list of representatives on the fence. Call them at 202-730-9001 and tell them to vote against the Stupak-Pitts amendment.

Arcuri (D, NY-24)
Bean (D, IL-08)
Bishop, S. (D, GA-02)
Boswell (D, IA-03)
Butterfield (D, NC-01)
Cardoza (D, CA-18)
Chandler (D, KY-06)
Cooper (D, TN-05)
Costa (D, CA-20)
Doyle (D, PA-14)
Edwards, C. (D, TX-17)
Etheridge (D, NC-02)
Gordon (D, TN-06)
Kratovil (D, MD-01)
Langevin (D, RI-02)
McMahon (D, NY-13)
Michaud (D, ME-02)
Minnick (D, ID-01)
Neal (D, MA-02)
Nye (D, VA-02)
Obey (D, WI-07)
Owens (D, NY-23)
Ruppersberger (D, MD-02)
Ryan, T. (D, OH-17)
Salazar (D, CO-03)
Space (D, OH-18)

Update: Alcee Hastings is fearful that the Stupak-Pitts amendment could lead to a return of back alley abortions.

“I forsee a return to the dark ages,” said Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.). “I’m 73, I’ve seen these dark things, they use these coat hangers and die.”

Update: Jane Hamsher makes a list of PACs that support Stupak. Hamsher is asking progressives to voice their displeasure to the PACs.

Alcee Hastings Letter to Obama

Rep. Alcee Hastings sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing his disappointing. Hastings has been pushing the White House to repeal the military Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. Hasting refered to the policy banning gays and lesbians from openly serving as ""a ridiculous, bigoted law."

August 27, 2009

The Honorable Barack H. Obama

President of the United States

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

On June 22, I sent you a letter signed by 77 Members of Congress urging you to take leadership in working together with Congress to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and to replace it with a policy of inclusion and non-discrimination. More than two months later, I have yet to receive an official response.

I am deeply disappointed that you have not responded to my letter and that we are not addressing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell at this time. With the recent addition of 17,000 American troops to Afghanistan and the possibility of another request for even more troops from General McChrystal in the coming weeks, I am sure that you will agree that we cannot afford to lose any of our dedicated, highly-qualified service members to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

As you know, we lose approximately two service members every day to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. While I commend Secretary Gates and the Pentagon’s general counsel for their continued efforts to identify possible provisional measures, you can take action right now. I sincerely hope that your administration will make Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell a priority and do everything in its power to repeal this ridiculous, bigoted law once and for all.

Mr. President, I am extremely proud of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and truly appreciate the countless sacrifices they continue to make every single day to protect this nation and the American people. They deserve better than Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

Please know that I will continue to monitor this situation closely and stand ready to assist you and my colleagues in Congress in repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell today.

Obama isn't going to make changes to Don't Ask Don't Tell. I detailed how President Truman's Executive Order 9981 and Defense Sec. Robert S. McNamara's Department of Defense Directive 5120.36 ended racial segregation. Afican-American men and women were allowed to serve because of two executive branch orders. Obama and Press Sec. Robert Gibbs maintain there is no legal precedent to end Don't Ask Don't Tell through the executive branch.

Q So when can we expect a durable policy on racial desegregation in the military, since that's never gone through Congress?

MR. GIBBS: Well, I'm out of my depth as a lawyer. And I'm not exactly sure the timing of when President Truman did that, but my sense is that there were also some legal proceedings around that. Try as one may, a President can't simply whisk away standing law of the United States of America. I think that's maybe been the undercurrent of some of the conversations we've had over the past few days on Guantanamo Bay.

But if you're going to change the policy, if it is the law of the land, you have to do it through an act of Congress.

Q And so there's pending legislation? I didn't see any.

MR. GIBBS: I don't know what's been introduced in Congress.

Hastings introduced an amendment to the defense spending bill. The White House never publicly backed Hastings amendment.

Hastings explains to Rachel Maddow how the White House was against his amendment.

Hastings Drops Amendment

Rep. Alcee Hastings got 76 Democrats and Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to sign a letter asking President Barack Obama to halt "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

The United States of America prides itself on having the finest military in the world because of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women. And yet, under 10 U.S.C. § 654 (Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces), better known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the talents and contributions of our openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members continue to be ignored simply because of who they are. Every day, we lose approximately two service members to this misguided, unjust, and flat-out discriminatory policy. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is not only an injustice to them, but a disservice to the U.S. military and our country as a whole.

Hastings added an amendment to to the defense spending bill. I haven't seen the amendment. However, it ran into resistance from Blue Dog Democrats. Hastings was forced the drop the amendment.

``Due to pressure from some of my congressional colleagues and from the White House, I have withdrawn my amendment,’’ he said. ``I would, however, like to note that it is most unfortunate that we are not addressing `don’t ask, don’t tell’ at this time.’’

Hastings noted the White House was against the amendment. No one should kid themselves into thinking the Obama administration will do anything for LGBT rights.

Obama & Democratic Party Split

Rep. Alcee Hastings got 76 Democrats and Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to sign a letter urging President Barack Obama to halt the discharge of gay and lesbian military personal under "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

The United States of America prides itself on having the finest military in the world because of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women. And yet, under 10 U.S.C. § 654 (Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces), better known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the talents and contributions of our openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members continue to be ignored simply because of who they are. Every day, we lose approximately two service members to this misguided, unjust, and flat-out discriminatory policy. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is not only an injustice to them, but a disservice to the U.S. military and our country as a whole.

I don't expect Obama to change "Don't Ask Don't Tell." It is fascinating watching America go through a cultural shift. Sen. Chris Dodd has come out in favor of gay marriage.

I believe that effective leaders must be able and willing to grow and change over their service. I certainly have during mine - and so has the world. Thirty-five years ago, who could have imagined that we'd have an African-American President of the United States?

My young daughters are growing up in a different reality than I did. Our family knows many same-sex couples - our neighbors in Connecticut, members of my staff, parents of their schoolmates. Some are now married because the Connecticut Supreme Court and our state legislature have made same-sex marriage legal in our state.

But to my daughters, these couples are married simply because they love each other and want to build a life together. That's what we've taught them. The things that make those families different from their own pale in comparison to the commitments that bind those couples together.

And, really, that's what marriage should be. It's about rights and responsibilities and, most of all, love.

The Democratic Party is moving to the Left of Obama on LGBT issue. Part of the reason is Obama reneging on his promise to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and his support for the DOMA. I'm sure that is not what the President had in mind.

Alex Sink Endorsements

Florida's Democratic delegation has endorsed Alex Sink for Governor. The Florida Democratic Party is quickly rally around Sink.

U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd (FL - District 2)

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown (FL - District 3)

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL - District 11)
"Like so many Floridians I am pleased to hear the great news that Alex Sink is running for Governor. We need Alex to continue to be a watchdog for Florida's resources and stand up for all of us against the special interests in Tallahassee. I am personally pleased that we can continue our partnership, working to expand health insurance for children, and fighting for seniors to stop Medicare fraud."

U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (FL - District 8)

U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (FL - District 23)
"Alex Sink is an accomplished business woman who has demonstrated her excellence as CFO of the State of Florida. She will not only be the next Governor of Florida, she will be an excellent Governor. I stand behind her candidacy and will campaign for her tirelessly to ensure that she gets elected."

U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL - District 22)
"I am proud to announce my endorsement of Alex Sink for Governor of Florida. CFO Sink has demonstrated strong and steady leadership in Tallahassee, working hard every day for Florida's families. Her experience in the business world makes her uniquely qualified to guide our state during these difficult economic times. I look forward to continuing to stand side-by-side with Alex through her election next November and beyond."

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (FL - District 24)
"Alex Sink understands the need to work towards common-sense, fiscally-responsible solutions that will help middle-class families and get Florida's economy back on the right track. Her experience as a business leader and her personal commitment to improving the quality of life for all of Florida's communities for many years make Alex the kind of person we need as governor for Florida's future. She will bring a fresh approach and strong leadership to Tallahassee and I am proud to endorse her candidacy for governor of our great state."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (FL - District 17)

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL - District 20)

U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (FL - District 19)
"There are few elected officials who are as impressive as Alex Sink and I am proud to endorse her for Governor. As CFO, she utilized her years of business experience to save Floridians money and safeguard their investments. As Governor, she will have the leadership skills and knowhow to rebuild Florida's economy and get our state moving again."

I read a commenter on Facebook wish Sink would get a primary opponent. The question is what candidate would be foolish enough to challenge Sink. Pay no intention to what Mayor Pam Iorio told Sue Carlton about wanting to serve out her term. Iorio left the Supervisor of Election office to become Mayor and Jeb Bush appointed Buddy Johnson as her replacement. (How did that work out?) Iorio knows Tampa area Democrats are firmly behind Sink. Sink is the most popular Democratic politician in Tampa. Iorio doesn't come close.

Nelson and Hastings Sue DNC

Alcee Hastings and Bill Nelson are suing the Democratic National Committee. They seek to stop the DNC from not allowing Florida delegates to vote in the Democratic National Convention. This suit is pointless. A 1981 Supreme Court decision states:

The State has a substantial interest in the manner in which its elections are conducted, and the National Party has a substantial interest in the manner in which the delegates to its National Convention are selected. But these interests are not incompatible, and to the limited extent they clash in this case, both interests can be preserved. The National Party rules do not forbid Wisconsin to conduct an open primary. But if Wisconsin does open its primary, it cannot require that Wisconsin delegates to the National Party Convention vote there in accordance with the primary results, if to do so would violate Party rules. Since the Wisconsin Supreme Court has declared that the National Party cannot disqualify delegates who are bound to vote in accordance with the results of the Wisconsin open primary, its judgment is reversed.

It is so ordered.

Short answer: the state party agrees to abide by the national party's rule when they join the party. The national party decides who and how they nominate a candidate. What makes matters worse is Florida Democrats backed moving the primary to Jan. 29th. They can't break the rules and then decide to sue someone because they don't like the penalty.

I'm not the only person that thinks the suit won't stand up in court.

But Thomas E. Mann, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Brookings Institution, said the national Democratic Party had no choice but to resist Florida's decision to move the primary date in violation of party rules.

"Once one state decides to act on its own, others would follow ... and then it's Katie bar the door," Mann said. "The suit is whether the national party committee has the authority to set the rules of the game for the selection of delegates to the national party convention."

Mann described the suit as "weak" and said, "It's hard for me to believe that this is going to reverse the decision of the DNC. I can't imagine the court would overturn it."

Florida was given the opportunity in 2006 to move the primary to January. Both state parties shot the idea down. Then the Florida legislature votes along bipartisan lines to move the primary up without debate and consulting with the national parties. But then the legislature never debates anything. That is why the property tax amendment was shot down in court. The blame for the primary mess goes to the incompetence of the Florida legislature and a Governor that only cared about an election reform bill that would garner him the national spotlight.