Bass Aide Resigns after blogging incognito

Tad Furtado, policy director for Rep. Charles Bass (R-N.H.), resigned Tuesday after it was revealed that he participated in political blogs disguised as a supporter of Bass’ Democratic challenger Paul Hodes.

“Although I had no knowledge of this activity, I must ultimately accept responsibility for the actions of my staff,” Bass, who is in a tight race for reelection with Hodes, said in a statement. The lawmaker said Furtado’s actions violated office policy and that he had referred the matter to the Ethics Committee.

Hodes Spokesman Reid Cherlin said Furtado’s resignation was the right thing to do but it did not address the underlying questions.

“Why were they doing opposition research from the congressional office, what were they doing with the information and is this part of a more widespread effort?” Cherlin said.

The Hodes spokesman added that the story has become a “big issue” in New Hampshire.