Re:A “nation-state” used Wikileaks to influence US election,...
by hackuser on Wednesday November 16, 2016 @12:37PM
(#12969311)
> Isn't it illegal for Federal employees to attempt in any way to influence an election?
It is, but law enforcement and Congress only investigate Democrats at high levels, not Republicans. Trump did many things that may be illegal, but there were no FBI investigations. See this post for more:
Re:A “nation-state” used Wikileaks to influence US election,...
by paulmd on Wednesday November 16, 2016 @12:33PM
(#12969276)
> Couldn't such a thing be considered "attempting to influence" and expose them to losing their jobs or worse?
The maximum penalty under the Hatch Act is removal from office, so no "or worse" here.
In hindsight that's rather a major fault with the Hatch Act, since it means there's little downside to influencing the election for someone who doesn't care about losing their job, or who expects to lose it anyway if the opposition party wins.
Re:A “nation-state” used Wikileaks to influence US election,...
by Terr_ on Wednesday November 16, 2016 @12:26PM
(#12969211)
> Isn't it illegal for Federal employees to attempt in any way to influence an election?
If it is, how does any incumbent (and their cabinet or staff) ever campaign for election to another term?
That and much of what the NSA and CIA does is classified, so they may not be able to release much of what they know without first declassifying it. From what I hear it's easy to stamp secret or top secret on something but bureaucratic hell to undo classification, giving classification kind of a roach motel effect.