Local ACLU and NAACP have called for an apology, saying Scott’s action was racist

One day after Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott sparked national controversy by referring to Democratic presidential candidate as Barack Hussein Obama, the federal government is investigating a complaint about his remark and members of the local ACLU and NAACP have called for an apology, saying Scott’s action was racist.

A complaint sent to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel alleges that Scott violated the Hatch Act because his agency receives federal dollars, and Scott was engaging in political activity while on duty and in uniform. Erica S. Hamrick, senior attorney for the agency, said in an e-mail Tuesday that an investigation was being opened. Neither she nor her office could be reached for further comment Tuesday. Spokespeople for McCain and Palin quickly distanced their camps from Scott’s use of the name. The Obama campaign could not be reached for comment.

James Muwakkil, founder of the 300-member Fort Myers Coalition for Justice and a life member of the NAACP and ACLU, called for a formal apology. He said that while he supports the sheriff’s right to speak his mind, he criticized him for doing so while in uniform. He felt it was an affront to all county residents who may not share the sheriff’s views. He also felt there were racial connotations. “He spoke in an inflammatory manner,” Muwakkil said. “As a citizen he has the right to free speech, but not when he represents all people with that sheriff’s uniform. That uniform represents something much bigger than him. That uniform represents justice and equality for all people.”