Feds to look into Lee County Sheriff Scott's 'Hussein' Obama comment at Palin rally

I want to thank all of you who wrote in and called about Sheriff in charge of Lee County Florida, Mike Scott! Our calls and letters are making a difference. I also think that we as Americans should make sure that we hold the McCain/Palin campaign accountable for inciting audience rage and mob mentality with their persistent negative comments. I am also very thankful that Olbermann, Maddow and Chris Matthews of MSNBC are bringing these things to light and telling the truth about this campaign and I think that all media and networks should do the same.-Mem

One day after Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott sparked national controversy by referring to Democratic presidential candidate as Barack Hussein Obama, the federal government is investigating a complaint about his remark and members of the local ACLU and NAACP have called for an apology, saying Scott’s action was racist.

Meanwhile, Scott’s office has been inundated with more than 600 calls from people registering their support or opposition to what he said.

Scott, who is up for re-election, denies any wrongdoing.

On Monday, Scott appeared in his uniform in front of more than 9,000 people at a rally for Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and used Obama’s middle name, Hussein. Critics say that by doing that Scott implied Obama is a Muslim. Obama, who is named for his Kenyan father, is a Christian. Scott did not refer to Palin or Republican presidential candidate John McCain by their full names at the event at Germain Arena in Estero.

Scott maintains he spoke only for himself and not on behalf of his office or the residents of Lee County. “Like every other elected official I am aware of, from president to governor to state representatives, etc., we engage in political activities whether for ourselves as candidates or for others,” Scott said.

A complaint sent to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel alleges that Scott violated the Hatch Act because his agency receives federal dollars, and Scott was engaging in political activity while on duty and in uniform. Erica S. Hamrick, senior attorney for the agency, said in an e-mail Tuesday that an investigation was being opened. Neither she nor her office could be reached for further comment Tuesday.