The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Adam Miles, Legislative Representative
Phone:    202.408.0034 ext 132, cell 202.276.2007
Email:    adamm@whistleblower.org

Contact: Tom Devine, Legal Director
Phone:    202.408.0034 ext 124, cell 240.888.4080

Email:     whistle47@aol.com

Special Counsel Bloch Forced Out

White House Removes Long-Controversial Head of OSC

WASHINGTON

The Government Accountability Project (GAP)
applauded the White House decision to remove Special Counsel Scott Bloch
yesterday.

"It's about time," stated GAP
Legislative Representative Adam Miles. "The number of federal
employees helped by OSC has plummeted during Mr. Bloch's tenure, along
with the office's credibility. It's time to move on from this
unfortunate chapter in OSC's history. We look forward to the appointment
of a Special Counsel who will prioritize protecting whistleblowers from
retaliation over pursuing personal political agendas."

Added GAP Legal Director Tom Devine: "Mr. Bloch
had the same impact as Special Counsel that President Bush has had as President
- utter disaster."

GAP has been a persistent critic of Bloch during his
tenure at the Office of Special Counsel. To read GAP's detailed testimony
on this issue from a July 12, 2007 oversight hearing on the office, click here:
https://www.whistleblower.org/doc/GAPTESTIMONY71207.pdf

The Government Accountability Project (GAP) is a 30-year-old nonprofit public interest group that promotes government and corporate accountability by advancing occupational free speech, defending whistleblowers, and empowering citizen activists. We pursue this mission through our Nuclear Safety, International Reform, Corporate Accountability, Food & Drug Safety, and Federal Employee/National Security programs. GAP is the nation's leading whistleblower protection organization.