Hensarling Seeks Hatch Act Probe of Cordray

The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee is seeking a federal investigation into whether Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray is violating the Hatch Act in connection with his potential run for Ohio Governor.

 

Cleveland.com is reporting that Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) has asked U.S. Acting Special Counsel Adam Miles on Friday to review whether Cordray ran afoul of the Hatch Act, which prohibits employees within the federal government’s executive branch from engaging in political activity. Hensarling highlighted media reports involving comments by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill that insisted Cordray is planning to run for governor. O’Neill stated that he was contacted by a mutual friend of Cordray’s regarding the CFPB director’s plans and, as a result, opted not to pursue the office next year.

 

Although Cordray has not announced any plans to seek state office in Ohio, Hensarling wrote to Miles noting that "if this occurred, it appears that Director Cordray indirectly contacted a potential primary rival to secure the rival's commitment not to run for office." Hensarling added that if this action occurred, it "may reasonably be construed" as a Hatch Act violation.

 

Cordray did not publicly comment on Hensarling’s concerns.

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