Coakley Staffer Who Attacked Reporter Is an Obama Appointee

Big Government contributor Dana Loesch has reported on the Coakley staffer who attacked a Weekly Standard reporter outside a Martha Coakley fundraiser on Capitol Hill. A number of outlets have identified the culprit as Michael Meehan, a long-time Democrat political operative. Mr. Meehan was dispatched to the struggling campaign by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committe (DSCC).

Mr. Meehan, however, also happens to be a recent Obama appointee. On November 19, President Obama nominated Mr. Meehan to serve on the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

From the White House press release:

Michael P. Meehan, Member, Broadcasting Board of Governors.

Michael P. Meehan currently serves as President of Blue Line Strategic Communications, Inc. and as Senior Vice President at Virilion, a digital media company. For over two decades, Meehan served in senior roles for U.S. Senators John Kerry, Barbara Boxer, Maria Cantwell and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, two presidential campaigns, two U.S. House offices and congressional campaigns in 25 states. Mr. Meehan earned a B.A. in political science from Bates College.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors oversees federal news operations like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe.

I’m not certain attacking reporters who ask politicians challenging questions is the best qualification to provide an objective news voice to oppressed parts of the world. I would hope that our Broadcasting Board of Governors could at least agree that reporters should be free from political assaults.

Our Mr. Meehan has some explaining to do. His Senate confirmation hearing should be a hoot.

Update: A top GOP Senate Aide had this to say in response to this article: “The President should pull his nomination unless he thinks the BBG should be led by a guy now best known for suppressing the freedom of the press.”