HUD investigates secretary’s comments

WASHINGTON (AP) - An inspector general is investigating Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson’s comments to a business group that he rejected an advertising contract because the contractor had criticized President George W. Bush.

"We are reviewing this matter and will look to the facts and any applicable law or requirements," Michael Zerega, spokesman for HUD’s inspector general, said yesterday.

Jackson issued an apology Wednesday, saying he made up the story. He won Bush’s support yesterday. "Alphonso Jackson has admitted that what he said earlier was improper, that it was a mistake, and the president accepts that and still supports a man with whom he’s had a long and close relationship," White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said.

The Congressional Research Service issued a memorandum saying it would violate federal law - and perhaps the Constitution - to deny a contract to someone because of his or her political affiliation.

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