Rep. Cliff Stearns told reporters today that that Energy Secretary Steven Chu should resign, as suggested last February by an Obama aide, reports Politico.
Politico reports,
“I think it’s ultimately the president’s decision,” said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.). “But ultimately there has been a legal subordination which I think has been brought up. I think the secretary is unaware of so many things that have happened that would question his financial ability and his management of very complex corporations.
“So I just think he has failed the test,” he added.
Stearns also invoked Dan Carol, the research director of the 2008 Obama campaign who sent an email in February to White House counselor Pete Rouse, who suggested a DOE shakeup that included removing Chu.
“And I agree with Dan Carol’s email that at this point that he probably should be replaced by the president,” Stearns said.
Shortly before Stearns’s remarks, Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) told Chu during the Energy and Commerce hearing that he didn’t think the secretary should be asked to leave.
“I’ve been asked a half-dozen times today whether I think you should resign, and I’ve said every time I don’t think you should resign,” Barton said.
But Barton said that based on the release last week of Carol’s email, he thinks someone in the Obama administration may be trying to throw Chu under the bus.
“I do think you’re a man of integrity. I think you’re trying to do your job as best that as you can. I also happen to believe that it’s possible you’re being set up to be the fall guy,” Barton said.
Both Stearns and Barton are right.
Chu should resign, but he is being made the fall guy for Obama.