Officer Bob

LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Wasn’t I just talkin about dis? Now da feds are all up in arms about it. My god, don’t they have enough ta do with a terrorist about to get elected to da White House?

A complaint sent to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel alleges that Scott violated the Hatch Act because his agency receives federal dollars, and Scott was engaging in political activity while on duty and in uniform. Erica S. Hamrick, senior attorney for the agency, said in an e-mail Tuesday that an investigation was being opened. Neither she nor her office could be reached for further comment Tuesday.

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Some also are questioning whether Scott violated the county code of ethics. The statute says no county government employees are allowed to wear any uniform or clothing that would identify them as such while engaging in a political campaign not sponsored by the county, even if they are off-duty. But the sheriff, according to Sgt. Larry King, is not considered an employee of the county — he is an elected official. His budget is approved by the county, but he answers to the governor and to his constituents.

Commissioner Tammy Hall said her office, too, received several calls about the matter, many from out-of-state. Hall said several of the people may not have been aware that the commissioners do not oversee the sheriff. She reiterated, though, that her office has a good working relationship with Scott and she backed his integrity.

Still, other local officials were outspoken against Scott’s choice of words. Lyle Olson, executive committee member for the Democratic Party of Lee County said the action showed “totally poor judgment.”

“It was meant to incite anti-Obama feelings,” Olson said. “Then he tries to claim it was his personal opinion, yet he was standing there in his uniform.”