New Rules

Federal employees living in Northern Virginia and some parts of Maryland will be able to run for political office under a new proposed rule published in the Federal Register. The Office of Personnel Management's new rule would partially exempt feds living in King George County from restrictions on political activity, allowing them to run as independent candidates for local political office. It would also allow those candidates to accept or receive political contributions, and solicit or accept volunteer campaign services. OPM said its considering the rule because of the rapid growth of the county within the past few years, the significant public issues associated with this growth, and the large federal presence within King George County.