Patrick Meehan

U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie is considered a likely candidate for the 2009 Republican nomination for Governor: Getty Images Photo
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) wants U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie to release his public and private schedules over the last two years "so that the public can make its own judgment regarding possible political activity by the U.S. Attorney."  Christie is considered a likely candidate for the 2009 Republican nomination for Governor.

Pallone says that he has heard "troubling reports" that Christie and some supporters have been holding campaign-related meetings.  He wants U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey to clarify the role of federal prosecutors in politics.  Earlier this year, U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan resigned amidst speculation that he will seek the 2010 GOP nomination for Governor of Pennsylvania.  

"Over the last few months, and perhaps longer than that, Mr. Christie and/or his political lieutenants have traveled around the state promoting his potential candidacy for Governor in 2009. I find it wholly inappropriate that a sitting U.S. Attorney be allowed to so publicly use his office as a stepping stone for political gain," Pallone wrote in a letter to the Attorney General. "Outreach to the community and publicizing his successful efforts at combating corruption are laudable endeavors and important to the work of the Department of Justice. However, the clear pattern of pre-campaign actions of Mr. Christie, and his very public allies and surrogates, appear to cross the line into self promotion and abuse of the immense authority he wields as the state’s chief federal law enforcement officer."

The U.S. Attorney for Pennsylvania, Patrick Meehan, has announced his resignation.  The word is that Meehan is considering a bid for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2010, when incumbent Edward Rendell is term-limited.   Meehan’s term doesn’t end until January 20, 2009, but apparently he doesn’t think it’s appropriate to explore a possible statewide campaign (he’s also a potential U.S. Senate candidate if Arlen Specter doesn’t seek re-election) while serving as a federal prosecutor.