Geithner tax and housekeeper problems jolt Obama

[Terri]

By TOM RAUM
Associated Press
January 14, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) -- At the end of a nearly seamless transition, President-elect Barack Obama has been buffeted by a string of embarrassing jolts within the space of two weeks.

The disclosure Tuesday that his choice for treasury secretary, New York Federal Reserve chief Timothy Geithner, failed to pay $34,000 in taxes and employed a housekeeper without proper immigration papers was another jarring distraction just days before Obama's inauguration -- and raises fresh questions about his team's judgment, vetting procedures and political sensitivities.

It follows New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's sudden withdrawal on Jan. 4 from consideration as commerce secretary, citing a federal investigation into how his political donors landed a lucrative transportation contract.

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[Claire Martin]

I remember Clinton's having difficulty securing an Attorney General nominee who didn't have an illegal working for her, and I recall Linda Chavez's having that same problem.

Other than their stealing silver and furniture, the Clintons' handoff to the Bushes wasn't so memorable. Was it considered smooth? Did Bill enable George to "hit the ground running?"

It seems everything that the Bushes did to enable BHO to take over went smoothly. Only the stuff he's doing on his own (selection of various Secretaries and Czars) is getting messed up.

Can it be that Democrat nominees tend to have legal/political/financial difficulties? Or is The One .... ummm .... incompetent?

[thomas]

The same group doing the screening for PEBO already cleared the Hilda Beast with Bill the dog they were declared "clean as a whistle". What do you expect?
The Old Chief

[Dingbat36]

Obama's incompetence has been evident from the campaign when ties to Reverend Wright, Tony Rezco, William Ayers (and Ayer's wife, the other home grown terrorist) were uncovered. He has indeed lain down with dogs and it is no surprise that he is now covered with fleas. This is a man who has the poorest of judgement in regard to his personal relationships, why expect more of his cabinet choices? When push comes to shove he has simply fallen back on the people who graced the Clinton White House. Where's the "change"?

[ONTIME]

The rino/lib consortium is in full swing now, "Do as I say" is all the word. Did anyone notice just how strenuous the Republican argument was again Geithner, almost deafening?

So it's alright to be a little unethical and in many cases a downright crook and still hold or be appointed to a political office. Just ask the crooks in congress.

Why are we , the American people paying taxes if they are going to be liberated by the crooked?

[OldTom]

Demoncrats and government as usual.
It's a known fact that most government officials are guility of something.
How else did they get in power and why else do they want to remain in power?
They can't make an honest living.
Politician = crook.

[utexas]

Hussein’s nominations in general display the height of his arrogance and stupidity. I can’t even think of one nomination he got right, who didn’t have some inherent flaw in them. Yet they will all be confirmed if they don’t withdraw because the Dims don’t mind corruption and the Repubs are too ignorant, complicit, or beaten down to fight bad nominations.

The next four years are going to be very interesting.