The DSCC made it sound as if they immediately slapped cuffs on the two staffers, but it doesn't look like it from my viewpoint:
Phil Singer, a spokesman for the Schumer-headed Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said two staffers were instantly suspended — with pay — in July after admitting they obtained the credit report of Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who is running for Senate.Hence, all their "suspension" amounted to was a vacation of sorts, with pay, despite ADMITTING they did it. And they paid them for two months.
Sources familiar with the situation said the committee's head of research, Katie Barge, and a deputy, Lauren Weiner, got the credit report by using Steele's Social Security number, which they say they obtained from public documents.
Records obtained by The Post show the two continued to be paid by the Democratic committee at least through Aug. 31.
As Captain's Quarters notes, Ms. Barge has been around the block in leftist circles. Before working for the DSCC she also worked as a researcher for Media Matters (which probably explains the lack of scruples) and she also worked for the Edwards campaign. Thus, it's not surprising at the least that this stunt was pulled, considering the illegal and unethical stunts they've pulled in the past.
Another note by Morrissey: Charles Schumer, who heads the DSCC, introduced the Schumer-Nelson ID Theft Prevention Bill , which would have created a new government office to fight and prevent identity theft. It calls for a $1000 fine per violation. It's no wonder he's being called a hypocrite in this instance, considering he actually PAID these women after they ADMITTED they obtained the report through fraud. They should have been fired immediately, instead of given the chance to simply resign.