Michelle Malkin » Tom Daschle’s other tax problem; Flashback: The Dodger’s wheels in 1986; Update: DeMint calls for withdrawal; Buh-bye!

Tom Daschle’s other tax problem; Flashback: The Dodger’s wheels in 1986; Update: DeMint calls for withdrawal; Buh-bye!

By Michelle Malkin • February 3, 2009 09:37 AM

Scroll for updates…Daschle withdraws…

Photoshop: Leo Alberti

Tax evader Tom Daschle is a serial dodger.

In addition to all the “glitches” he has apologized to the Senate Finance Committee for, there’s another important episode in his financial history that bears mention.

William Jacobson at Legal Insurrection has the reminder:

In the current controversy regarding Tom Daschle’s failure to report income (and thereby evade the taxes on that income), Daschle has portrayed himself as the most honest person in America, who always intended to pay all the taxes he owes, and who simply made an honest mistake. But history shows that this is not the first time Daschle has dodged taxes, raising even more questions about Daschle’s veracity and fitness for office.

In 2004, during his failed re-election campaign, it was revealed that Daschle claimed a property-tax homestead exemption for his $1.9 million Washington, D.C. mansion. The problem was that in order to claim the tax exemption, Daschle had to certify under penalty of perjury that the mansion was his primary residence. Daschle did so, and got the tax exemption, but there was a problem. Daschle had voted in South Dakota, the state he represented, by absentee ballot, listing a South Dakota address as his primary residence. South Dakota primary residency also was a requirement of Daschle running for office. When the homestead issue surfaced, accusations were made that Daschle or someone on his behalf altered the records to make it appear that only Daschle’s wife has applied for the exemption.

Daschle’s opponent, now Senator John Thune, made an issue of this tax dodge in the campaign, and Daschle was defeated…How much did Tom Daschle save on his homestead exemption tax dodge? A measly $288. Is there any thief more pathetic than a petty thief?

Yes: The other petty thieves in the Senate who have signaled their undying collegial support for Tom the Dodger Daschle.

***

Mirabile dictu: The New York Times calls for Daschle’s withdrawal.

Broken clocks and all. Perhaps if his tax troubles had involved an illegal alien, the NYTimes would have given him a pass, too.

Now, WWBORD? What will the B.O. Republicans do?

***

Update: John Hinderaker at Power Line digs up a hilarious 1986 Daschle campaign ad. Watch. Snort. Shake your heads.

Update: DeMint calls for Daschle withdrawal…

Posted in: Double standards, Tom Daschle

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#101

On February 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm, bluesoc said:

hey..where did all the trolls go?

I don’t consider myself a troll, but I don’t think failure to pay taxes should necessarily discredit one from being secretary of health. I don’t think the two are directly related. It should be considered in his nomination, but should not disqualify him without some other cause. I could be mistaken, but I would think most people here would agree to that being the general standard – it’s one consideration among many factors.

This leads me to believe that something else is lurking behind these criticism: disagreement with his policies. If he was advocating a free market approach to health care, would people really be as upset?

Also, I’m willing to bet that almost every poster here has made tax mistakes (many of which they probably do not even know about). I don’t think that reflects poorly on their character. (I know, I know, you’re going to argue that these “mistakes” were intentional. If that’s the case, please read above)
#102

On February 3rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

On February 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm, bluesoc said:

I don’t think failure to pay taxes should necessarily discredit one from being secretary of health.

Part of the issue here is the Obama administration’s Culture of Corruption. Rotten from the head down. Whose name is on the deed of the “Obama” residence in Chicago? Where is that Original birth certificate (not the COLB forgery) showing where Obama was born?
#103

On February 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm, bluesoc said:

Where is that Original birth certificate (not the COLB forgery) showing where Obama was born?

Yes. I suppose my argument isn’t quite as strong when conspiracy theories are involved.
#105

On February 4th, 2009 at 12:10 pm, FirstSkirt said:

Oh, bluesoc #85. I have been working for almost 45 years and HAVE NEVER failed to pay due taxes. I have been audited and have NEVER had to pay a fine. Even with a small business, I did not pay myself because I had taxes to pay. This is a matter of ethical behavior. Stop being a pitchman for liberals who think they are above the law. There are too many examples of liberals who think the law is for the “little people”. See Clinton’s record of 8 years. You will never convince me that this was an “oversight” and therefore his conduct is permissible. Please, give me a major break here!
#106

On February 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm, FirstSkirt said:

Oh, by the way, Bluesoc#85. Let’s get real….If this had been a Republican, he would have been crucified in the press, especially if the new President was Republican as well. Do some homework and go back and see Andrea Mitchell’s comments that the GOP “brought Daschle down”. If I knew how to link there I would do that, but her comments are on Newbusters.com page this morning. Spare me, bluesoc.