March 2, 2009
barry’s judgment is on display once again…another one of his uniquely qualified picks made a simple mistake on his taxes. The fourth such pick. Secretary of the Treasury, head of the IRS and former Head of the New York Federal Reserve Bank couldn’t figure out TurboTax or spot Bernie Madoff, but he is going to save The American People from financial ruin. Tom Daschle was going to save The American People from the healthcare industry, from whom he made $5.2M. And Nancy Killefer had the decency to withdraw her name, which makes me believe it was an honest mistake.
What exactly does that thousand page questionnaire rule out? And how many people has he had to rule out before getting to the tax cheats?
Now his pick for US Trade Representative, Ron Kirk (former mayor of Dallas) owes the IRS $9,975. He failed to report $37,750 in honoraria for speaking engagement and deducted as business expenses the $17,382 he spent on Dallas Mavericks tickets.
WH’s BEN LABOLT: The mayor is working with the Finance Committee on a few minor issues. The president nominated Mayor Kirk because of his proven ability at the negotiating table — building consensus between opposing stakeholders in Dallas and crafting deals to create opportunities for U.S. businesses overseas.
I bet he’s very good at crafting deals.
Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus (D-MT) supports him, just like he did the others. Credit to his statement person for mixing it up a little.
BAUCUS on Kirk:
Mayor Kirk is the right person for this job, and I will work to move his nomination quickly. I am confident he can successfully restore the confidence of Congress and the American people in a balanced international trade agenda.
BAUCUS on Geithner:
I intend to move forward as soon as possible with a hearing on his nomination….Tim Geithner has the right combination of experience and skill for these difficult economic times. For these reasons, I continue to support his nomination to be the next Secretary of the Treasury.
BAUCUS on Daschle:
The ability to advance meaningful health reform is my top priority in confirming a secretary of Health and Human Services, and I remain convinced that Senator Daschle would be an invaluable and expert partner in this effort. I am eager to move forward together.
barry’s fourth statement on Daschle:
I think I screwed up. And, I take responsibility for it and we’re going to make sure we fix it so it doesn’t happen again.
What’s it gonna take folks? “New era of responsibility”
Jonathan [Martin?] to Robert Gibbs in reference to Tom Daschle (2-2):
Is there an amount of money in unpaid back taxes for any nominee to the president’s Cabinet that would be considered disqualifying?
barry’s judgment on display:
Smoothest transition ever?
Geithner: TurboTax made me do it
barry on tax cheat Tim Geithner
Daschle apology letter
Daschle withdrawal letter
barry re: Daschle’s withdrawal
Nancy Killefer withdraws
barry’s tax cheats go free – Phelps’ friends go to jail
Another cabinet defector: Sen Judd Gregg
barry tax cheat #4: Ron Kirk
Dr Sanjay Gupta won’t be Surgeon General
barry appointee Charles Freeman withdraws
barry tax cheat #5: Gov Sebelius
