Daschle apologizes for tax issue

[dgriffin]

Health pick Daschle apologizes for tax issue


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tom Daschle, President Barack Obama's choice to lead reforms of the costly U.S. healthcare system, said on Monday he was deeply embarrassed about having to pay some $140,000 in back taxes, a lapse that raised questions about his nomination.

Daschle, a former Democratic Senate majority leader, issued an apologetic statement shortly before the Senate Finance Committee, which must approve his nomination as Health Secretary, met to consider the issue.


www.reuters.com/article/reutersComService_2_MOLT/idUSN0232666820090202


Something makes me think he'll be treated better for his $140,000 lapse than I would with a $140 dollar lapse.

[Swimmy]

I wonder if the ordinary citizen would be given the same lattitude as Senator Daschle. Amazing how someone who "unintentionally" let his taxes lapse would be considered the best person for the job. So much for change in Washington. Smells like more of the same cronyism.

[snickers]

Yeah. He was deeply embarrassed about having to pay, NOT about dodging his responsibilities!

This New & Improved, Totally Transparant Guv'mint of Obama's is a treat to watch in action. Every day, every appointment, brings a new "surprise". What's next?

[Clipper]

It was mentioned on the cable network last night that at least part of his tax problem had to do with the "use of a car" and whether a "friend" could "gift" the use of a car.

Gee, maybe if all works out, I can drive Kathy's van, she can drive my truck, and if we "gift each other" with that privilege, we can BOTH benefit on our taxes?

[dgriffin]

I read somewhere he was less than upfront about potential tax problems during the vetting process conducted by White House staff. If true, that would have really pissed off the administration. That is wholly separate from whether he knowingly cheated on his taxes. Even assuming he didn't cheat knowingly (a stretch), he was aware of a brewing storm and neglected to inform the committee choosing him for the cabinet position. Very bad thing to do to POOTUS. Wouldn't be surprised if his withdrawal was actually a firing and done to serve as an example to other nominees. O-man saying, "don't anybody else do this to me."

[Swimmy]

Another nominee withdrew her nomination because of up coming tax problems too.

I too think Daschle's withdrawing was more of a "firing".

[frankcor]

Why the hell do I pay my taxes?