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Return to Article: White House forces resignation of embattled GSA chief

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  I recall watching Doan appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Two things were noteworthy. First, while the Democrats asked relevant questions pertaining to the misconduct involving the violation of the Hatch Act, most Republicans merely praised her and seemed to apologize for all the inconvenience testifying before the committee was causing her. Lastly, it was interesting that the only things she could remember about the "political" meeting held on GSA grounds were that she was a little late to the meeting, and that there were refreshments. While employing the Gonzales "I don't recall, remember or know" defense, it appeared she couldn't recall anything else that was said, nor could she even interpret the power point presentation that had taken place when it was shown to her.

  Stephen Posted May 2, 2008 12:32 PM
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  Ms. Doan's actions and statements exhibited the worst kind of government executive management. She meddled deeply in the procurement process, permitted over political action briefings by White House staff in GSA office space, and tried mightily to undermine the work of the GSA IG office. This is a far cry from the ethics of public service which should be the guideposts for our Executive Branch leaders; but is, disgustingly typical of Bush administration appointees (as is Gates, Wolfowitz, Porter Goss, Tobias, etc.) . It is amazing that it took the Pres/staff so long to fire her. She should have never been appointed to the position.

  EdgeWedger Posted May 1, 2008 12:44 PM
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  Its too bad that the IG is run like a Gestapo organization and has is out of control. If these attorneys had filed whistle blower complaints about an activity in GSA you can bet the IG would have been running like dogs to find guilt

  Dan ketter Posted May 1, 2008 11:26 AM
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  It's too bad that the world of our day cannot tolerate the straight forwardness or those who elects to be heard. Ms. Doan may not have shown great prudent in some of her choice ways and words, nevertheless, she has proven to be some one who just doesn't go away because her style and approach may bring challenges to others. She is some one to be reckon with and more of this type and style of leadership may be what it takes to get America on her feet again. I think applauding her for standing for something in which she believed in and was willing to risk her career for says more about who this person really is than any investigation could ever uncover against her. A great way to go out Lurita "standing and fighting for what you believed in. The old proverb is still valid "one stands for something, or falls for nothing." Lurita stood her grounds and did it with courage and grace in the midst of an environment that was anti-lurita.

  Will Posted May 1, 2008 8:47 AM
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  The former Administrator's attacks on the Inspector General have been especially troublesome. She clearly tried to send an intimidation message to the Inspector General by trying to significantly cut his budget and champion whistleblower complaints against him. Even if the whistleblower's have valid complaints about the Inspector General (two separate outside investigations have not substantiated them), the Administrator has inappropriately involved herself in judging the merits of the allegations and the adequacy of the investigations. As a former executive with two different Offices of Inspector General and long time auditor with the Government Accountability Office, the former Administrator's public statements appear to me to be nothing but reprisals against the Inspector General for his critical reports. At best, her statements show a lack of political acumen and poor leadership.

  Rex Simmons Posted April 30, 2008 4:57 PM
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  I hope the McCain election picks her up, she's a republican hero! We will keep the Whitehouse! Whoo hoo!

  Steve Posted April 30, 2008 4:22 PM
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  The question I have is: Why did it take the White House this long to get rid of her?

  KYJurisDoctor Posted April 30, 2008 1:55 PM
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  Don't let the door hit you on the way your, Lurita. Your dismissal is long, long overdue.

  David Posted April 30, 2008 11:59 AM
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  trouble is the do nothing congress isnt any better than the do nothing but for the rich administration,,, time and record have proven that,,we can thank them all for the fix we are in,, and cheney saying that the congress has no oversite of the vp? should anyone that has every held a office be allowed to do so again?

  duane Posted April 30, 2008 11:22 AM
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  It seems the accusations against the IG was the final defense that kept Doan in charge at GSA. It is unlike this white house to demand a resignation of a GOP appointee. Perhaps its best, and lengthy court proceedings and further costly investigations can be avoided.

  Don Posted April 30, 2008 9:48 AM