AG Aides Refused Hires For Sexuality, Political Standing, Says DOJ

Former Attorney General staffer Monica Goodling and her cohorts had some pretty queer hiring practices.

A Department of Justice report confirmed today that Goodling, who worked as a White House liaison for A.G. Alberto Gonzales’ office, considered political affiliation, influence and sexuality when considering new hires:

Several witnesses provided credible testimony that one of the reasons for Goodling’s actions was the alleged sexual orientation of the AUSA.
…
We concluded that Goodling’s actions violated Department policy and federal law, and constituted misconduct.

In addition, we believe [Executive Office for the United States Attorneys Executive Director Michael] Battle should have raised concerns about Goodling’s actions. In this instance, Battle knew that Goodling had considered sexual orientation as a reason to deny the [Assistant U.S. Attorney] an extension of her EOUSA detail.

Sexuality wasn’t the only litmus test, of course. One man was rejected because his resume “appeared to be a liberal Democrat.”

There’s no word on whether the staffers will face charges, although some Congressional investigators may pursue perjury for the lies Goodling and others told during Congressional hearings.

Hear’s a PDF of the DOJ’s ruling, if you’re interested.