Obama is clearly learning the rules of Washington very quickly. Not even the waters of the Potomac are parting for the "One" or his merry band of cohorts and tax cheats.
It's hardly news at this hour, but Tom Daschle has thrown in the towel on his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Three hours before Nancy Killefer, nominated by Obama to be the government's first chief performance officer, withdrew her nomination also. Both were citing tax problems.
The GOP had made it quite clear that there would be stiff opposition to Daschle's appointment. Senator John Conryn had some pretty blunt words for Daschle on Tuesday morning, "If Senator Daschle cares about President Obama's success and the success of this new administration," Cornyn said, "he ought to remove this distraction."
Daschle as it ends up, owed $128,203 in taxes and $11,964 in interest. While Killefer, had a $946 tax lien placed on her home, by the District of Columbia, for failure to pay unemployment compensation tax on household help.
The President has taken a more humble tone with this situation, versus the "I won!" attitude we heard almost two weeks ago.
My guess is when Princess Pelosi said that Congressional Democrats were going to clean Washington up, she never figured it would turn out to be the GOP cleaning up her own party for her.
Related Articles:
Reuters: Obama hit by withdrawal of health nominee Daschle
Yahoo News: Obama performance chief Killefer out, citing taxes
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2 comments :
Okay now that Change has been "Dash"led - I believe the real story here is who actually paid for the driver and the service that Tom neglected to report - would pursuit of this information be the true "distraction" - just wondering?
I have wondered that myself FLRN. I am "assuming" that dear Tom was somehow having his vehicle and driver paid for by lobbyists of sorts, under the guise of "donors."
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