Pentagon Rebukes Kirk

[Perky]

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0610/Pentagon_rebukes_Kirk.html?showall

Mark Kirk's drive to turn his exemplary military service into a political liability continues today, with a rebuke from the Pentagon first reported on a blog that's been chipping away at the candidate, and picked up by the AP.

Air Force Major April Cunningham tells blogger Terry Welch:

In December 2008, Commander Kirk, while on active duty, participated in video discussions in the media about the unfolding situation involving then-Governor Blagojevich of Illinois. Members of the Armed Forces on active duty may not participate in television discussions as an advocate for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

In July 2009, while on active duty in the Washington area, either Commander Kirk or a staff member posted a "twitter" to his Senate campaign web site that indicated he was on duty at the National Military Command Center. At the time, Commander Kirk was a candidate for the Senate. Candidates for political office may not participate in any campaign activities while on active duty. They may not update or revise their websites, and they must inform their campaign staff of the applicable restrictions....

Commander Kirk was counseled about each of his violations after they occurred and signed a statement acknowledging the limitations on his ability to participate in campaign activities while on active duty. He was required to complete this acknowledgement before being allowed to begin active duty in December 2009.

The rules are good rules and he needs to cease and desist. but I would hardly call this scandalous. :shrug:

[jaxx]

1. It is when he's using his military service as his road to the senate.

He's been one big innuendo on how he did this and that, was the greatest. I'd guess Kirk won't like this going public.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

2. KHAAAAAN!!!!!!! ........ Oops, not that Kirk.

[depakid]

3. I'd sure call repeatedly blurring the line between military and civilian government a scandal

Hard to think of a more basic principle.

[KingFlorez]

4. These sort of things certainly are a problem

You can't do things like that and get away with it, it brings up the issue of integrity and respect for the rules. On top of this, he lied about several things on his record, so this shows that he's willing to use his service to gain an office.

[dgibby]

5. It's egregious behavior,.

and could cost him his military benefits.

This is drilled into every member of the military, but especially officers. It was part of the curriculum at Officer Candidate School when I went through, and was repeated many times in continuing ed. classes over the course of my 22yr. Navy career. He KNEW better.