GOP head accuses Obama of federal crime

WASHINGTON, July 19 (UPI) -- Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus accused President Barack Obama of violating federal law by taping a fundraising video at the White House.

Priebus says Obama violated the Hatch Act, which restricts fundraising by federal employees, Politico reported Monday.

The Hatch Act says federal employees, including the president, cannot "solicit … a donation of money or other thing of value in connection with a federal, state, or local election, while in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties."

"The facts of this case strongly suggest a crime was committed," Priebus said in a letter the attorney general, "I call on the Department of Justice to investigate this possible criminal act by the president of the United States."

The Democratic National Committee criticized Priebus' letter, calling him a hypocrite.

"This is a disgraceful, desperate and politically motivated attempt at getting headlines by a Republican Party awash in special interest cash, which is fighting to preserve tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires at the expense of seniors," DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse said.

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on Priebus' letter.