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July 21, 1969-Richard Nixon devises a “dirty tricks” outfit for “general campaign activity of harassment and needling of the opposition, planting spies in their camp, etc.” March 10, 1970-Richard Nixon orders his Chief of Staff to establish a new assault group to “be sure we are doing an all-out hatchet job on the Democrat leaders, through IRS, etc.” July 25, 1970-Richard Nixon (RN) decrees that his staff “destroy” TV anchor Chet Huntley because he believes that Huntley’s destruction will have a desired effect on other commentators.

The revelry experienced from the public mauling of opposition as observed from the abbreviated diary entries of Richard Nixon’s Chief of Staff H. R. Haldeman seconds Charles Krauthammer’s partial diagnosis of RN as a “seething cauldron of inchoate hatreds.”

Historically, blame for RN’s moral abandonment has rested on his self-isolation, self-pity, paranoia, and other “demons from a darker hell” that muted his brilliance, patriotism, and such. Despite an anxiously crafted public façade masking that dangerously convoluted personality, the ruthlessness of Washington’s classic enigma is explainable.

But what of those whose public persona and private selves are reputed as one in the same straightforward, gracious personality? Yet, who indulge shameful means; those with notoriety as honorable public servants, yet who practice unprincipled devices.

The unethical, malicious trend shadowing the 38th CA Assembly District republican primary forces asking: what of Congressman and Mrs. McKeon?

Heretofore, I have attested to the McKeons’ straightforward, gracious character.  Plain spoken, honorable people would have been my testimony. But the following has recast my understanding.

The Jan. 6, 2012-Buck McKeon “strategy” memo detailing collusion between Buck McKeon Chief of Staff Bob Cochran, BM Deputy Chief of Staff Bob Haueter, and Tony Marsh regarding “thorough background checks” of former McKeon District Director Scott Wilk and his political consultant Jason Roe, and their “shady political connections.”

Their collusion also targets CA Rep. Congressman Elton Gallegly. Cochran et al. are to “make sure that Elton is made a part of the conversation and that his similar situation is known” regarding the Countrywide loan scandal that had ensnared Buck McKeon.

Jan. 18, 2012-Mrs. McKeon files a bastardly criminal charge against Scott Wilk with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.

Jan. 25, 2012-The DA discredits and rejects the charges.

Feb. 6, 2012-Bob Haueter continues insisting that the DA is investigating Scott Wilk.

Knowing such, observe: rather than performing due diligence regarding his re-election against California Democratic Party-endorsed and increasingly well-funded challenger Dr. Lee Rogers Congressman.

McKeon has turned his arsenal towards ensuring Wilk’s loss to Mrs. McKeon in their 38th CA AD primary.

Observe their assumption that Scott Wilk has “shady political connections”.  The memo did not say “thorough background checks into….. possible recent shady political connections” but “into… their…..shady political connections”. Did the thought if we can’t find any skeletons in his closet, then we will put some there follow that assumption?  Being “sure we are doing an all-out hatchet job on . . .” republican leaders” may have preceded it.

Furthermore, why “destroy” a former District Director with a record of loyalty?  Is opposing a McKeon, damnable?

Observe that Wilk is not the only conservative that Buck McKeon had turned his arsenal towards. Making “sure Elton is made part of the conversation . . .” regarding Countrywide is hurling a fellow conservative and his district under the bus. Was the idea if we go down, everybody goes down?

Observe the frenzy guiding Mrs. McKeon’s Assembly campaign.  A wildly spurious criminal charge aimed at, imprisonment?  Or just financial and professional ruin?  Is opposing a McKeon, criminal?

Furthermore, the memo is riddled with federal violations. Section 734.406 of Federal Election Commission law summarily criminalizes “Participation in political activities while on duty, in uniform, in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties, or using a Federal vehicle.” Bob Haueter alleging hacking of House email as the reason for the memo’s exposure coupled with Buck McKeon Spokesperson Alissa McCurely calling it “an internal staff memo” confirm that it was drafted with federal property and on federal time.

Additionally, as a McKeon opponent in a political race on Jan. 6, discussion of Wilk is a campaign matter. McKeon’s taxpayer-funded staff was absorbed with a purely political and personal agenda rather than his designated responsibilities of legislation and constituent concerns.

The McKeon’s are chasing victory in the 38th CA AD with an at-all-cost frenzy that contradicts who we know them to be. Sadly, their frenzy recalls the revelry confessed to me by a veteran politico: “I don’t care about the good government sh**.  It’s the politics I like.” Evidence and silence notwithstanding, I hope that correlation is ill suited.

Andre Hollings- Guest Commentary

Andre Hollings is a former congressional staffer for Congressman McKeon, served as McKeon’s Antelope Valley Field Representative and is a former president of the Santa Clarita Valley Republican Assembly. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.