Sen. Claire McCaskill says President Obama did not follow the law in the way he fired the Inspector General of the Corporation for National and Community Service.The Obama administration recently removed Gerald Walpin from his IG post, citing lost confidence. But McCaskill said the law requires the president to give Congress 30 days advance notice of an IG's dismissal, along with the reason for the termination.
UPDATE @ 10:14 PM: From POLITICO: President Barack Obama removed a government agency’s internal watchdog last week and plans to fire him in part because he was “confused” and “disoriented” at a meeting last month, the White House said in a letter to Congress Tuesday night. The letter came after several senators, including key Obama supporter Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), expressed concern that Obama skirted the requirements of federal law.
MCCASKILL'S STATEMENT:
"The White House has failed to follow the proper procedure in notifying Congress as to the removal of the Inspector General for the Corporation for National and Community Service. The legislation which was passed last year requires that the president give a reason for the removal. ‘Loss of confidence’ is not a sufficient reason. I’m hopeful the White House will provide a more substantive rationale, in writing, as quickly as possible."
McCaskill was the lead Senate sponsor on the Inspectors General Act of 2008 and is strong ally to President Obama.
The Washington Post: "Her statement is the first significant sign of Democratic concern with this matter."
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