Daschle Withdraws From Health Post
With the embarrassment from undisclosed tax errors haunting the new administration, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle removed himself from consideration for the post of Secretary of Health and Human Services. So far, three of Barack Obama’s cabinet appointees have had tax problems, Nancy Killefer who also stepped down and Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, who has already been confirmed by Congress.
Daschle was appointed to lead a sweeping healthcare reform initiative that would deal with the growing problem of 45 million Americans without healthcare insurance. As of last night, it appeared as if he was going to be confirmed anyway and had received the President’s support despite his $140,000 tax error.
However, not wanting to become a distraction for the new administration while it seeks support for a massive economic stimulus package. Earlier today, Daschle apologized for his error in judgement and stepped down from his post.
Obama’s ideas for the nation’s healthcare came with Daschle in mind, Daschle had co-authored a book on healthcare reform and was a leading expert in the healthcare industry. His resignation will be a setback for the administration, as of yet it is unknown who Obama will pick to replace him.
