GOP asks Harvard to stop paying Warren

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY
Updated 44m ago


The Massachusetts Republican Party is taking issue with Democrat Elizabeth Warren getting paid by Harvard University as she campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Scott Brown.

The Boston Globe reported that the GOP has asked Harvard to stop paying the law professor's salary, suggesting that doing so gives the impression that the Ivy League institution supports her candidacy.

Brown is considered one of the most vulnerable Republicans up for re-election in 2012. Warren, one of several Democrats running, was encouraged to seek the office by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other top Democrats.

Warren, best known for helping President Obama launch the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is teaching contract law twice a week. The Globe reported she was paid $350,000, plus $182,000 in royalties and consulting fees, before she took a leave of absence last year to join the Obama administration.

Harvard is a tax-exempt entity and by law cannot "participate in or intervene in" any campaign for political office. The university's policy on political activities say a faculty or staff member can participate in campaigns as long as they don't do or say anything "within the context of their employment" or with Harvard's "real or apparent authorization."

Warren spokesman Kyle Sullivan e-mailed us this statement:

Elizabeth has always loved teaching, dating back to her days as an elementary school teacher. She takes her responsibilities to her students and the university seriously and she will fulfill her commitments in line with all relevant policies.


source: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/09/elizabeth-warren-senate-massachusetts-harvard-salary-/1