[NativeNewYorker]

DNC is striking back by pointing out that similar email collection is done on the Web sites of Senators and members of Congress

So two wrongs make a right. As usual.

[NonValueAdded]

The difference is the Executive branch falls under the Hatch Act but Congress does not. Article I Section 5 of the US Constitution authorizes Congress to make its own rules, etc., and they zealously defend that distinction. (That's the unspoken reason they use to not apply deathcare to themselves - don't want to cede any power to the Executive branch. That and they know the coverage will bite it.)

One may question the ethics of a Congresscritter harvesting addresses but, to borrow a phrase, "there is no controlling legal authority." Obama cannot use that excuse to avoid falling down the Hatch [Act].

[HiJinx]

Actually, there should have never been any question. The Public Records laws require that all correspondence with government entities be kept and archived.

It's the law (Es La Ley).

[5thGenTexan]

So two wrongs make a right. As usual.

The two are not the same, I believe these congress critters asking you for your information. Øbama was asking you for other people's information.