Monroe County Republican Committee Chairman Bill Reilich Statement on Sandra Doorley's Withdrawal from County Court Race

Monroe County Chairman Bill Reilich stated today that Sandra Doorley has taken the proper action by stepping down as a candidate given the fact that she was in clear violation of Federal Law. Ms. Doorley campaigned for the past month and fundraised while willfully violating the Hatch Act.

"I'm glad Sandra Doorley has chosen not to seek public office," said Reilich. "It's inconceivable that Ms. Doorley, as a prosecutor, didn't know she was violating federal law by actively campaigning and fundraising. I'm glad she finally recognized this error, chose to respect the law and took her name off the ballot."

Reilich also commented on recent speculation that Doorley left the County Court race to run for District Attorney.

"I can't imagine that Ms. Doorley and Chairman Morelle would make such a bad decision after she has spent the past month violating federal law," said Reilich. "The voters of our community deserve a District Attorney that puts the law before her own political ambitions."

Details of the Sandra Doorley's Hatch Act Violation

Currently, the Monroe County District Attorney's Office receives federal aid. Under Federal Law, Persons covered by the Hatch Act are prohibited from being candidates for public office in partisan elections.

A written opinion from the United States Office of Special Counsel shows that any Doorley candidacy violates Federal Law. Doorley, who currently serves as First Assistant District Attorney, holds a position that prohibits her from running for office.

In the report, the U.S Special Counsel found that because the First Assistant District Attorney is tasked with assisting and advising the District Attorney in carrying out his responsibilities and acting in the District Attorney's absence, it necessarily follows that the First Assistant District Attorney also has duties in connection with these federally funded activities.

The Counsel concluded that the Hatch Act prohibits a First Assistant District Attorney from being a candidate in a partisan election, and his or her candidacy for District Attorney would be in violation of the Act.

The complete opinion can be found at the following link: http://www.osc.gov/documents/hatchact/state/First%20Assistant%20DA%20AO.pdf