Another Hot Presidential Race

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The association's national executive board complained about what it dubbed "laptop law" because "no federal employee is present to monitor the hearing and oversee operation of the camera or protect the privacy of claimants."

The judges say they do not object to all video hearings, including those "conducted in special chambers located in government buildings where federal administrative law judges control the camera and where claimants can discuss the most intimate details of their lives and disability, without worrying others will hear."

But the computer video operation comes with too many risks, according to the judges: "It deprives the judge of control of the hearing process and creates too many opportunities to game the system. It is not hard to imagine a claimant testifying from his lawyer's office reading testimony from a teleprompter or being coached by another lawyer in the background."

The Social Security Administration did not respond to a request for comment.

Acquisition Awards

The Office of Management and Budget has honored "the best and the brightest" in the government's acquisition workforce.

The 2008 Shine Initiative Award winners are Patrick Quigley of the Defense Logistics Agency, LaTonya Richardson of Treasury, Deborah Erwin of the General Services Administration, and the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Team at the Defense Contract Management Agency.

Contact Joe Davidson atfederaldiary@washpost.com.

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