Is Adam Puharic a Federal Employee? Does the Hatch Act apply?

DaTruthSquad and Ronald Reagan are reporting that Adam Puharic is an employee of the US Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and must resign as Chairman immediately , due to the Hatch Act. This based on a quote by a Adam Puharic in the Associated Press.

Wouldn't that be nICE!

I'm skeptical, but anxious to see how this plays out. There may be hope for the Monmouth GOP yet.

Update March 1, 2007

I have sent the following inquiry to the US Office of Special Counsel:

To:hatchact@osc.gov

Hello,

I am writing to inquire whether or not Adam Puharic of Aberdeen, NJ is a federal employee who's political activities are restricted by the Hatch Act.


There is an Adam Puharic who was quoted by the Associated Press as being a spokesman for ICE in New Jersey. http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070228/NEWS/70228020

Is this the same Adam Puharic who is the chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Organization, and if so, is his political activity as a county chairman permissible under the Hatch Act?

Thank you.

First response:

Subject: RE: Adam Puharic
Date: 3/1/2007 12:23:35 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Hatchact@osc.gov
Reply To:
To: BillSewardnj@aol.com

The Office of Special Counsel is responsible for enforcing the Hatch Act by issuing advisory opinions and investigating complaints of violations. It is unclear from your e-mail whether you are intending to make such a complaint. If so, please state so, and please provide the name and contact information for the subject of your complaint.


Erica N. Stern
Attorney, Hatch Act Unit
U.S. Office of Special Counsel

My reply:

Erica,

Thank you for your prompt response. If the Hatch Act requires the Adam Puharic who is the chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Organization to refrain from political activity, I do intend to file a complaint.

The subject of my complaint will be Adam Puharic, and his contact information is 732-404-xxxx (cell) or 732-765-xxxx (home)

Thank you.

UPDATE 5PM

Erica and I have traded a few more emails today. It seems a complaint has to be filed in order for there to be an investigation, and whether or not Puharic's political activities are permissible, depends on where he works in ICE.

I have received confirmation that from another source that Puharic does work for ICE. I will be attempting to find out if his political activities are permissable before filing a complaint.


I'll let you know when and if I hear futher. If any readers have good information, please post it or email me at billsewardnj@aol.com.