Faced with problems over back taxes and potential conflicts of interest, Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination on Tuesday to be President Barack Obama’s Health and Human Services secretary.
“Now we must move forward,” Obama said in a written statement accepting Daschle’s request to be taken out of consideration. A day earlier, Obama had said he “absolutely” stood by Daschle.
Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader, said he would have not been able to operate “with the full faith of Congress and the American people.”
“I am not that leader, and will not be a distraction” to Obama’s agenda, he said.
His stunning statement came less than three hours after another Obama nominee also withdrew from consideration, and also over tax problems. Nancy Killefer, nominated by Obama to be the government’s first chief performance officer, said she didn’t want her bungling of payroll taxes on her household help to be a distraction.
Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Daschle’s former Democratic colleagues had rallied to his defense in the wake of questions about a series of tax issues. Last month, Daschle paid $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest.
“Tom made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged,” Obama said. “He has not excused it, nor do I. But that mistake and this decision cannot diminish the many contributions Tom has made to this country.”
Daschle also was facing questions about potential conflicts of interests related to the speaking fees he accepted from health care interests. Daschle also provided advice to health insurers and hospitals through his post-Senate work at a law firm.
The withdrawal comes after Republicans and major newspapers questioned Obama’s decision to stick with Daschle.
Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina said Obama was “losing credibility” with his statements in support of Daschle. “Part of leadership is recognizing when there has been a mistake made and responding quickly,” the Republican said.
(Source: CBS News)
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Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina said Obama was “losing credibility” with his statements in support of Daschle. “Part of leadership is recognizing when there has been a mistake made and responding quickly,” the Republican said.
This pretty much sums it up…Obama screamed change….but his actions or let me say inactions sure don’t support that. Once they get into power many politicians have short memories of the things they promised to do.
This was to be the most “ethical and transparent” administration, with the promise of change. Well, we got change alright…it’s back to the lying Clinton days. We were told that their won’t be any lobbyists employed either and now there are many of them. No more pork barrel spending? The phony stimulus package is garbage spending that won’t help anyone but Unions and other political paybacks. He was to unequivically support Israel, yet the screws are turning already.
Jews should know better than to vote for someone on the basis of a good, emotional speech. Look at what someone does and not what & how he says.
The only change will be all that is left in our pockets!