Last week, Cause of Action, requested the Office of Inspector General investigate Federal Aviation Administration officials John Hickey and Ray Towles for potentially having violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees in the executive branch from using their official capacity to influence elections.  

According to the report, Messrs. Hickey and Towles reportedly told FAA employees that “the election of Republican candidates in the upcoming 2012 presidential and congressional elections would be detrimental to their job security.”

Hickey, who told FAA employees that Republicans would slash the agency’s budget, is now also accused of potential election fraud. 

According to the Washington Free Beacon, Cause of Action has determined Hickey may have violated additional laws meant to protect “individuals from intimidation, interference, or coercion concerning their right to vote.” 

Cause of Action also found that Hickey may have also “violated several Prohibited Personnel Practices (5 U.S.C §2302) including discrimination against employees based on political affiliation, as well as potential whistleblower retaliation.” 

The government accountability organization is urging the election crimes division of the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate these additional matters.