For a former Senate Majority Leader, Tom Daschle is pretty stupid. Even though he suspected he might have to pay $128,000 in taxes on a car and driver (which were courtesy of the equity firm he was working for) all the way back in June, Daschle never told the Obama transition team when he was selected to head the Department of Health and Human Services last November. Instead, he told them about it a few weeks ago. While Daschle is "deeply embarrassed and disappointed," you can't blame one Democratic senator's aide saying to the NY Times, "It’s totally shocking. Why do we have to continue to have the same story over and over again with these nominees?” Daschle will meet with Senate members today to discuss the matter; Politico suggests that some think Senate Finance Committee member Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana), who defended back taxes-owing Timothy Geithner, is slow-rolling Daschle because, well, he doesn't like him.
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2025. Donate today