Second Nominee Blow For Obama
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8:54pm UK, Tuesday February 03, 2009
US President Barack Obama has suffered another embarrassment after a second nominee for a top government job quit over his tax affairs.
President Obama is planning a major reform of America’s healthcare system
Tom Daschle’s decision comes hours after Mr Obama’s nominee for White House budget czar Nancy Killefer withdrew her nomination, also over a personal tax issue.
In a written statement Mr Obama said: “Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
“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.
“Now we must move forward with our plan to lift this economy and put people back to work.”
This is the first real mis-step for the Obama Administration in the cabinet confirmation process.
Sky’s political analyst in Washington Jon-Christopher BuaÂ
Mr Daschle said he had withdrawn his name because he did not want to be a distraction for Mr Obama’s ambitious plans to reform healthcare.
“We need the best care in America to be available to all Americans,” he said. “Lives and livelihoods are at stake.”
On Monday, Mr Daschle apologised for omitting to pay £128,000 in back taxes.
The two withdrawals represent the first big challenge to Mr Obama’s presidency.
He has vowed to usher in a new era of politics in Washington that is open and free of scandal and patronage.
Sky’s poltical analyst in Washington, Jon-Christopher Bua, said: “This is the first real mis-step for the Obama Administration in the cabinet confirmation process.
Eric Holder at swearing-in ceremony
“Although this nomination ran into trouble due to personal tax issues it illustrates just how difficult it will be to find ‘squeaky clean’ nominees.”
Bua added: “This is a real loss for those who want a quick response to the health care crisis.”
The setback came as Eric Holder was sworn in as the United States’ first black Attorney General.
The 57-year-old has set himself the goal of revitalising the Department of Justice and reclaiming its reputation.
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“There shall be no place for political favoritism, no reason to be timid in enforcing the laws that protect our rights, our environment and our principles, as long as I have the opportunity to lead this great department,” he said.
“This may be a break from the immediate past, but it is consistent with the long history of the Department of Justice.”
admin @ February 4, 2009