Bombshell withdrawals rock Obama administration

AFP on Yahoo ^ | 2/3/09 | Stephen Collinson

[NormsRevenge]

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Two of President Barack Obama's top picks for government jobs sensationally withdrew Tuesday, in bombshell announcements which rocked his young administration and tested his vow to clean up politics.

Tom Daschle, the nominee to lead Obama's ambitious healthcare reform and Nancy Killefer, his choice for budget watchdog both quit after becoming engulfed in storms over past unpaid taxes.

The departures were the first grave challenge to Obama's administration, distracted from his effort to force his huge economic stimulus plan through Congress and called his promise of a new era of ethical politics into question.

"This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services," Obama said in a written statement.

"I accept his decision with sadness and regret."

"Tom has made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged. He has not excused it, nor do I," Obama said, saying the former senate majority leader had devoted his life to public service and health care reform.

"Now we must move forward with our plan to lift this economy and put people back to work."

Daschle said he had decided to withdraw his name because he did not want to be a distraction for Obama's ambitious plans to reform healthcare.

"We need the best care in America to be available to all Americans," Daschle said in the statement issued from the White House.

"Lives and livelihoods are at stake."

Daschle's decision emerged hours after Obama's nominee for White House budget czar Nancy Killefer withdrew her nomination, reportedly over her failure to pay past unemployment taxes for household help.

[nickcarraway]

Taxes are for the little people.

[Carley]

Just Chicago style politics.

[NormsRevenge]

Put some ice on it, Tommy.

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama introduces former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (R) as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services during a news conference in Chicago, in this file photo from December 11, 2008. Daschle withdrew his nomination as President Barack Obama's health secretary February 3, 2009, saying he did not want to be a distraction after paying $140,000 in back taxes. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes/Files (UNITED STATES)

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Former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing about his confirmation for Secretary of Health and Human Services on Capitol Hill in Washington, in this file photo from January 8, 2009. Daschle withdrew his nomination as President Barack Obama's health secretary February 3, 2009, saying he did not want to be a distraction after paying $140,000 in back taxes. REUTERS/Larry Downing/Files (UNITED STATES)

[Paladin2]

"I accept his decision with sadness and regret."

What a F******%%^$#@@@*!ing liar!

[icwhatudo]

2? Someone forgetting Richardson? Its 3 MSM...3!!!

[SJSAMPLE]

No job, and he STILL had to pay the taxes, interest and penalties.

Like the Fed guy, he only paid his taxes because he wanted this job.
If he was never mentioned by Obama, he would’ve let the unpaid taxes slide.

[Interesting Times]

...tested his vow to clean up politics.

Ah, no. These events have exposed the dishonesty of Obama's campaign pledge to clean up politics, not "tested his vow."

[Palladin]

Crooks and more crooks!

Throw them ALL in jail!

[NormsRevenge]

Tom Daschle, the nominee to lead Obama's ambitious healthcare reform and Nancy Killefer, his choice for budget watchdog seen here in January 2009, sensationally withdrew Tuesday, in bombshell announcements which rocked President Barack Obama's young administration and tested his vow to clean up politics. (AFP/File/Mandel Ngan)

[Frank_Discussion]

These resignations are having the same effect as Palestinian ‘work accidents’. :)

[freeangel]

“he did not want to be a distraction...”

BS He didn’t want them to delve any deeper into his wifes stuff.

[InterceptPoint]

Obama, having totally escaped the normal vetting process personally, seems to be assuming that he can transfer this teflon-like characteristic to as many Democrat gangsters as he likes. But it's not happening and it is making a mess of his first month on the job.

So much for CHANGE. Not that anyone here is surprised. Nor will we be surprised when things get worse. Get ready Sarah, we're going to need you.

[TexasNative2000]

"No question about it....he's lying."

[wxgesr]

Thank you, I take partial credit. I actually e-mailed both Senators today and voiced my disdain for tax cheats, so it must’ve worked!

I think I will ask my boss for a raise, I am on a roll!

[NormsRevenge]

It’s like watching the Keystone Kops in action.

[Augustinian monk]

Obama was like a third party here who did the right thing in the end. Thats how the story was explained to me.

[Buffalowolf]

Well good riddance to trash like whinny, snottie nose bed wetter Tom “Duschbag” Daschle and Nancy Killefer another stuck up “I'm to good to pay taxes” moron that this brain damaged fruit that we are forced to call “President”.
How many more liars and thieves are the American people are going to have forced down their throats?

[MortMan]

Two of President Barack Obama's top picks for government jobs sensationally withdrew Tuesday, in bombshell announcements which rocked his young administration and tested his vow to clean up politics.

Note to idiot writer: The NOMINATIONS already BROKE his vow to clean up politics. Not to mention the other ethically challenged buttheads who have been confirmed!

[MrB]

Not just tax cheats,

but tax cheats advocating higher taxes on others.