CREW SENDS LETTER TO DOJ URGING INVESTIGATION INTO REP. WELDON’S THREATS AGAINST THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO OPPONENT

20 Oct 2006 // Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) asked the Department of Justice to investigate whether Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) violated the law by threatening those who made contributions to his political opponent Joe Sestak with retribution.

CREW received two emails describing Rep. Weldon’s efforts. The first, sent to Mr. Sestak on June 29, 2006, described a “hit list” compiled by someone on Rep. Weldon’s staff identifying people in the national security field who had made contributions to Mr. Sestak. The email indicates that a retired Navy flag officer reported that Rep. Weldon said something to the effect of “If they don’t think there will be retribution before or after the election, they’re kidding themselves.” A second email, sent on July 21, 2006 states that Rep. Weldon had his staff contact Navy personnel to get information on Mr. Sestak.

18 U.S.C. § 600 makes it illegal to promise any contract or any special consideration as a reward for any political activity or for the support of or opposition to any candidate. Any person who violates this section may be sentenced to up to one year imprisonment.

18 U.S.C. § 610 makes it unlawful to intimidate, threaten, command, or coerce any employee of the federal government to engage in, or not to engage in, any political activity. Violators are subject to up to three years imprisonment.