Issa Fires Spokesman After Email Controversy

"While our survey of allegations raised by Politico is not yet complete, it has become clear that the committee's Deputy Communications Director Kurt Bardella did share reporter e-mail correspondence with New York Times journalistMark Leibovich for a book project.Though limited, these actions were highly inappropriate, a basic gap of confidence with the reporters it was his job to assist, and inconsistent with established communications office policies.

s a consequence, his work has been terminated.

"After hearing Kurt's account, speaking with Mark Leibovich, and an initial survey of e-mail correspondence there is no show to support speculation that internal committee or congressional documents or conversations were inappropriately shared, that Mark Leibovich ever inappropriately heard or recorded any phone conversation, or that any official rule violations occurred.The inappropriate information shared with Mark Leibovich appears to have been modified to Kurt's own agreement with reporters.

"In November 2010, Kurt did seek permission from his supervisors to enter in a book design with Mr. Leibovich.His petition was granted, but nothing that he described to his supervisors ever included the indication, intent, or theory that he would be sharing reporter e-mail correspondence with Leibovich for his book.Kurt's supervisors, including the committee's Director of Communications Frederick Hill have told me that they did not determine about what Kurt was doing with reporter correspondence until the commission was first contacted by Politico last Friday evening.I have not plant or heard anything, including Kurt's own account, which contradicts these explanations.

"In explaining his intentions in participating in Mark Leibovich's book, Kurt has told me he saw this as an opportunity to impart a story about what a press secretary does on Capitol Hill and was not about offering salacious details designed to settle scores or embarrass anyone.My critique of materials so far supports that characterization.

"I mean to end our review and rebuild any broken faith with the journalists who handle the crucial function of our committee."