Former Senator Tom Dashle

Former South Dakota Senator Tom Dashle (D) has been selected by President Obama for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services, a department with over 65,000 employees and a budget of $700 Billion. The nomination was widely expected to go through without issue, however things can change quickly in Washington.

Here are the facts as known so far:

Former Senator Dashle received speaking fees of $220,000 by health care groups (and is considered a lobbyist for groups who would be directly affect by his decisions if he is confirmed).

It has been released that Dashle was, until January, delinquent on paying approximately $140,000 in taxes (and interest).

Former Senator Dashle was aware of this “over sight/accident” in June of 2008.

Former Senator Dashle paid the IRS on January 2nd, 2009 while preparing for his confirmation hearings.

President Obama was reportedly not advised of Dashle’s tax issue until after Dashle paid the IRS.

The taxes and interest were related to previously unreported income equaling $250,000 for a car and driver provided by Leo Hindery (a wealthy friend and business partner and Democratic Party Donator).

Additionally it is known that Daschle has unreported income from consulting in 2007 equaling $88,333 and had reductions to charitable contributions of approximately $15,000

Dashle, who is still expected to be approved and is widely liked personally throughout the Senate, is the second candidate for a position in Obama’s administration who until recently had significant delinquent taxes. This has caused some, such as CBS’s Bob Schieffer, to ask if the Obama team needs to review it’s vetting process. Critics point out that beyond the tax issue, Dashle’s being a lobbyist not only creates conflicts of interest but is against Obama’s own rules.

Never the less, Harry Ried’s office reportedly stated “Senator Daschle will be confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services…He has a long and distinguished career and record in public service and is the best person to help reform health care in this country. Senator Reid looks forward to a swift hearing and is confident Daschle will be confirmed.”

Source: Face the Nation (2/1/09), ABC News, Fox News, New York Times