party must reimburse the government for the use of its offices and resources. The Clinton administration imposed additional Hatch-like regulations on itself. White House employees can work on their "political" projects only if they put in 40 hours' work over the course of the week on "official" business. And the White House installed separate phone and fax lines for political work. But these rules are not legally binding. And in practice, such distinctions between "official" and "political" White House work are almost meaningless. The following is a list of what federal employees can and cannot do under the amended Hatch Act. ALLOWABLE Be a candidate for public office in nonpartisan elections Register and vote as you choose Assist in voter registration drives Express opinions about candidates and issues Contribute money to political organizations Attend political fundraising functions Attend and be active at political rallies and meetings Join and be an active member of a political party or club Sign nominating petitions Campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, municipal ordinances Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections Make campaign speeches for or against candidates in partisan elections Distribute campaign literature in partisan elections Hold office in political clubs or parties Express opinions about candidates and issues PROHIBITED Use your official authority or influence to interfere with an election Collect political contributions unless both you and the donor are members of the same federal labor organization or employee organization and the one solicited is not a subordinate employee Knowingly solicit or discourage the political activity of any person who has business with DOD Engage in political act...
