Alan Greenblatt is a GOVERNING correspondent.
E-mail: mailbox@governing.comTwitter: @governing
Innocent Until Proven Effective
You may recall that HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson gave a speech in April in which he boasted about denying a federal contract to someone who didn't support President Bush.
This remark led to an investigation by HUD's inspector general. The agency IG concludes that Jackson did, in fact, seek to play political favorites.
Shocking, right?
But here's the funny part. Jackson argues that the report, in fact, exonerates him. HUD staff never gave in to his pressure to politicize the contracting practice. Therefore, since nothing really happened, Jackson claims he's not guilty of anything.
"As I stated previously, during my tenure, no contract has been cancelled, rescinded, terminated, awarded or not awarded due to the personal or political benefits of the recipient," he said in a statement Thursday.
No harm, no foul. Jackson, does, however, admit one mistake: the fact that he opened his mouth in the first place. "I sincerely regret my April 28 remarks that led to this investigation."
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Flickr
RSS
© 2011 e.Republic, Inc. All Rights reserved. |