The Star Tribune is reporting what Eric Black broke yesterday:
The internal upheaval that roiled the upper ranks of the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota last spring has prompted an investigation by an independent federal agency that looks into whistleblower and discrimination complaints involving federal employees.
The investigation by the Office of Special Counsel was revealed Tuesday morning by Eric Black on his blog, ericblackink.com.
Citing unnamed sources, Black said the matter grows out of allegations that U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose mishandled some classified documents by failing to secure them properly in her office, and that she demoted First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marti after he discussed the alleged security breach with her, then reported it up the chain of command.
Paulose also is alleged to have retaliated against some staff members for perceived disloyalty, and to have downgraded some job reviews for reasons other than performance, Black wrote.
Paulose’s term so far as this state’s United States Attorney has been marred by consistent reports of incompetence which contrast starkly with the widely respected work of her Republican predecessor, Tom Heffelfinger. Paulose’s nomination came under scrutiny with the proceeding of the national US Attorney scandal and while Heffelfinger maintains that he resigned under his own volition, it is uncontested fact that Paulose was picked at a relatively young and inexperienced stage in her career due to her close connections with the Justice Department and her socially conservative leanings.
Black adds today that Paulose released the following statement to the AP:
“Since the matter is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time. I am confident the truth will be brought to light. I am focused on doing the work of the people, which is what I have been appointed to do.”
And Black notes that this serves as an implied confirmation that there is, in fact, an investigation occuring; I would agree.
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Rachel Paulose is an embarrassment to the State of MN.
Pure and Simple.
I’m just so tired of scandal and corruption from all political parties and departments.
This latest report concerning Paulose is just another in the long list of MN political embarassments.
Anyone remember Minneapolis’ favorite fire cheif, Bonnie Bleskachek??
That whole appointment turned out real well too…..the city is still paying out the settlement cash.
I am a conservative Republican, and MN Publius readers may not like that; but I hope my larger point doesn’t go unnoticed here:
I hope that we are ALL tired of political scandal and corruption and that we will demand more from our candidates and elected reps.
33 years old, US Attorney, relious zealot, Ivy League grad, lives with mom and dad, what’s not to like?
What’s the one theme I have seen on all the blogs? - “I’d hit it”.
One thing that I find interesting and maybe at least an extenuating circumstance is the size of the office and her relative inexperience.
Colorado which is the next smallest state by population has only one US Attorney, but Wisconsin, the next largest, has two. Iowa has two, Alabama has three, Arkansas has two etc. (http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/offices/index.html#a) for the volume of cases the office handles I think it’s pretty incredible that there is only one US Attorney in MN, and that it was given to someone who while she seems to have great intellect and potential doesn’t have much if any managerial experience. Sean
Sean, just to clarify — there is one US Attorney appointed for each federal judicial district. Colorado and Minnesota each have only one federal district court, so it’s one US Attorney each.
Congress creates new judicial districts. Why Arkansas should have two while Minnesota has only one is more a reflection of political clout and priorities, rather than reason.
Gee, too bad the Strib fired Eric Black, or they might have had the scoop. It would be embarrassing for them if they were at all interested in reporting any more.
Randy — No I do understand that and I understand the political aspects behind it (as well as the historical — just looking at that list now, while Arizona might have been a backwater for the majority of it’s history it’s explosive growth over the last 20 some years should necessitate it having been granted at least one other US Judicial District, and as well from a long forgotten history class, IIRC the reason why southern states are so over represented in Judicial districts goes back to reconstruction). But it doesn’t detract from the fact that Paulose has been given command of a very large Judicial district with very little managerial experience. Sean
Sean — You are right about Paulose. She is exhibit A for the proposition that the Bush administration values loyalty over ability.
Gop Optimist:
Oh, is Rachel an embarressment to you?
Anybody remember her boss A.G. Gonzales?
That guy was linked to the proof of foul play that Broom Wellstone has in regards to the USA trying to cover up the Wellstone crash.
Who wants to talk about that though, too overwhelming.
Why would anyone want to hear the truth, We’ve all been lied to for years by people like GOP Optimist anyway.
I heard an interview on the Patriot 1280am months back where BROOM called the resignation of Gonzales before anyone else could of even saw it coming?
Don’t believe me? Call the Patriot 1280am
and GOP Optimist- If I wasn’t pro-life I would recommend suicide as your best course in life.