Could internal investigation into Comey result in election do-over?

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 Justice Dept. to investigate FBI director Comey over Clinton emails

Potential election mulligan?

The New York Times reported today that the Justice Department inspector general’s office said it would open an investigation into the decision in October by James B. Comey, the F.B.I. director, to inform Congress about a new review in the Hillary Clinton email investigation — a move Mrs. Clinton has said cost her the election.

While the ramifications of the investigation were not immediately clear, Michael Horowitz, the inspector general, has the authority to recommend a criminal investigation if he finds evidence of illegality. 

At this point there has been no suggestion that Mr. Comey’s actions were unlawful. Rather, the question has been whether he acted inappropriately, showed bad judgment or violated Justice Department guidelines.

Justice Department insiders said in the latter situation, violation of departmental guidelines, Mr. Horowitz has the authority to recommend a “mulligan” or a do-over election. (Note: a mulligan is a golfing term which denotes a second chance to perform an action, usually after the first chance went wrong through bad luck or a blunder.)

It is not clear who would receive and rule on Mr. Horowitz’s recommendation, but it is clear that if it is President Donald Trump, there will be no mulligan.