Posted on 03/02/2009 2:29:10 PM PST by BGHater
Add former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk to the list of Obama Cabinet picks with tax problems.
The Senate Finance Committee says he underpaid by $9,975 in the last three years.
Senate aides uncovered the shortfall during weeks of vetting, and Kirk – the administration’s designated point person on trade -- has promised to pay the Internal Revenue Service in full.
The problems: Kirk deducted too much for season tickets to the Dallas Mavericks and too much for tax preparation fees, and failed to report as income speaking fees that he donated to his alma mater, Austin College.
The full political implications won’t be clear until at least next week.
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., is standing behind Kirk, though today he postponed a long-delayed confirmation hearing until Monday, four days later than planned, citing a conflict with the White House health care summit.
“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 said in a statement.
The White House shrugged off Kirk's tax problems as a “few minor issues” and said the nomination remains on track.
“We are confident that Mayor Kirk will be confirmed,” said White House spokesman Ben LaBolt.
“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.”
In a memo issued jointly by Baucus and the panel’s top Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the committee detailed discrepancies uncovered during the vetting process.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
DMN headline intentionally makes it look like $10!
Am I the only one who actually pays all her taxes? Boy, do I feel llike a shmuck.
I just paid 5 digit taxes, plus a few grand that I under-withheld.
Am I a sucker or what???
I have no idea what I have been so afraid of. Paying taxes clearly optional.
Still waiting for the MSM to use the phrase “a culture of corruption” as they used (per collusion with the DNC) in 2006 to smear the entire GOP because of the actions of two homosexual Republicans.
Dam, I didn’t even notice, thats exactly how the article puts it forth.
Well, paid too much that's for sure.
Or not enough.
Ron Kirk is a worthless moron. Obama picked him for trade, wow!
Does ANYBODY in this administration believe in abiding the LAW???
AARRRGGGHHH! R-E-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N
Joe Biden would call you a patriot. That is IF you don’t also listen to Rush Limbaugh.
DemocRats all suffer from “Congenital Dishonesty Syndrome”
I didn’t see in the article if it mentioned if he was a Republican or Democrat.
Another one!!!!????
Less than 10 bucks? isn't this getting riduculous?
What do you say, Michael Steele? Do you think you can take your attention away from Rush Limbaugh for a few moments AND DO YOUR JOB??? Howard Dean would be yearrrrrghing this all the way to the bank if the tables were turned.,
“2010 will be for the GOP, if the Republic lasts.”
If the Republicans last. For me they have become the party of last resort, sadly.
LOL. No I pay HER taxes and mine.
Happy Texas Independence Day. Obombast take note!
seems to have no trouble going to his left now.
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