by Blair Latoff

Just when you thought we’d heard the last of the Administration’s efforts to muzzle their political adversaries, along comes a “draft” Executive Order that seeks to accomplish unilaterally what they couldn’t pass through Congress last year.  In some ways, this effort goes a step further.

The “draft” Executive Order that the White House has now confirmed is authentic would mandate that all businesses seeking to contract with the federal government first disclose their political contributions. The order doesn’t stop with the business itself; it extends to the political spending of the officers and directors as well. In other words, the Obama Administration believes determining one's political leanings is a prerequisite for determining the qualifications of a company to do business with the government. As Senator Susan Collins said yesterday, “It troubles me that the draft executive order could be perceived as making political contributions a factor to be considered in awarding federal contracts.”

The obvious danger of this is that it will lead prospective businessmen and businesswomen to a choice no American should ever be forced to make: ‘Do I support the party in power in the hopes I can continue my livelihood, or do I support the candidate I believe will do the best job?’ This applies not only to large contractors. It also includes everyone from the zipper maker for military uniforms to the daycare facility operator for federal workplaces and landscapers who service a National Park. The implication is clear – pony up for the good guys or risk paying the price. As Senator Mitch McConnell aptly said yesterday “No White House should be able to review your political party affiliation before deciding if you’re worthy of a government contract. And no one should have to worry about whether their political support will determine their ability to get or keep a federal contract or keep their job.”

White House press secretary Jay Carney claimed that this egregious attempt to intimidate businesses is done in the name of “transparency.” So that must mean we can expect all entities receiving taxpayer dollars from this Administration to disclose their political support, right?

Not a chance. The Executive Order does not impose any disclosure requirements on federal labor unions or organizations that apply for federal grants or assistance. As was the case with the DISCLOSE Act that was rejected by a Democratic-controlled Congress, the effort exempts known political supporters of this Administration.

Political litmus tests have no business in determining what companies will most responsibly serve the public interest. We can only hope this catastrophe of an Executive Order will never see the light of day.