IL-Sen: When is a military service lie not a lie?

Just in case you were wondering if Orrin Hatch's sanctimony applied equally to Republicans and Democrats, wonder no more.

So Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduces an amendment making it a crime to lie about your military service, and just days later, a Republican senate candidate is caught misrepresenting his service.

The question is: Does the bill apply to Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) in the same way it applied to the original target -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D)? Would Kirk have committed a crime?

The answer, according to Hatch’s office, is no.

“The amendment’s intent is clear – it would make lying about serving in active duty in the military for the purposes of career advancement a misdemeanor,” Hatch spokesman Antonia Ferrier said.

Hmmmmm.... So saying you were a combat vet when you weren't and saying you received a military award that doesn't exist isn't lying about "serving in active duty in the military." If you are a Republican, and if it's Orrin Hatch making the distinction. Good to know.