I believe both petitions were grandfathered in. And the site does indicate the "fire Stephen Heymann" petition has met the requirement. https://petitions.whiteh

I believe both petitions were grandfathered in. And the site does indicate the "fire Stephen Heymann" petition has met the requirement. https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/fire-assistant-us-attorney-steve-heymann/RJKSY2nb https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/fire-assistant-us-... "Signatures needed by February 11, 2013 to reach goal of 25,000: 0" So the Forbes author does not appear to be mistaken.