Congressman Bilbray's Chief of Staff Steve Danon Paid Full Federal Salary While Campaigning Full-Time Since 2009, Notes Hilliard Camp

SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlighting federal rules that prohibit campaigning when working on the federal clock and Congressional House Ethics rules that require federal compensation be "reduced proportionately with any reduction in the employee's time," Steve Danon, Congressman Brian Bilbray's (CA-R) Chief of Staff, has come under intense fire for running as a full-time candidate while working as a full-time Chief of Staff since July 1, 2009.

"I'm sorry, but lunch breaks and vacation time do not equal running for County Supervisor full-time.  Danon needs to clear the air and provide complete transparency with detailed records," said K.B. Forbes, campaign manager for Danon's rival for the Third District San Diego County Board of Supervisor's seat, Carl Hilliard. "Steve Danon has made ethics and transparency the pillars of his campaign. Danon now needs to be transparent with the voters and taxpayers because it looks like he's running a federally-subsidized campaign."

According to a published story in today's San Diego Union-Tribune, Danon refused to leave hard copies with the reporter of alleged emails documenting time he took to campaign and vaguely summarized his personal time off while providing no details—raising even more questions.

"Did Danon take no personal vacation time off and only campaign? Did Danon ever engage in fundraising while on the federal clock? Did Danon ever use a campaign cell phone while working?" asked Forbes. "Danon has the obligation to show he's ethical, and he can only do that by providing complete, transparent calendar, email, telephone, and cellular phone records available for public inspection."

Congressional House Ethics Rules require "careful records" distinguishing work time from campaigning time.

According to Congressional Disbursement reports, since Danon became a full-time candidate in July of 2009, he has garnered the maximum salary of $168,411 a year for a chief of staff. House Ethics Rules clearly state that compensation be "reduced proportionately with any reduction in the employee's time." Danon's salary has never been reduced.

Since Bilbray was elected in 2006, Danon has received almost $1 million in compensation and reimbursements and according to the most recent reports available was stunningly paid more than the Chief of Staff of the Speaker of the House John Boehner.

SOURCE hilliardforsupervisor2012.com