Hosed - I hope you are right, but I've not heard any coverage that this violates any laws, nor have I heard any of the opposition say this.  It's certainly ethically and morally bankrupt, but so far I don't see any expert analysis that it's illegal.  And I agree, that very likely in a private company this would be illegal.  But they make the rules for Government, and once again, seems like it's a rigged game.