(CNN) - Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, has raised an objection to holding Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner's confirmation hearing Friday as planned, a spokesman for the senator tells CNN.
Kyl's objection comes a day after it was revealed Geithner had failed to pay necessary self-employment taxes while working for the IMF and continued to employ a housekeeper whose immigration status had expired.
The hearing is now scheduled for next Wednesday.
From CNN Politics
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Jon Kyl's a pig – but that doesn't detract from the fact that Geithner should withdraw his name. INTEGRITY is needed at this time.
And what happened to Barack's stringent vetting process in this case? Cronyism at its best!
I love how incompetent and useless our government has become. The tax thing is laughable, but at least he has gone back and paid everything. The worker issue is not an issue. She was without a license for three months before she received a green card...lets not go all Lou Dobbs on the issue. Most of us are more educated then that nemwit!
Barack is, admittedly, charismatic, and, after 8 miserable years of a moron who couldn't parse two words intelligently together, ANYONE would be an improvement. And, although his rhetoric is encouraging, I am wondering just WHERE the change is: Vice_pres voted FOR the War and FOR the patriot act; secy of state Clinton voted FOR the WAR and FOR the patriot Act; Secy of defense Gates (the moron's puppet and yes man who is an architect of this illegal war which has senselessly claimed, and continues to claim at a rate of 1 a day, 4225 american lives, is pro war and pro patriot act-not to mention, by complicity with the moron's regime, pro-torture; and now, as secy of treasure, Obama appoints, apparently knowing ahead of time, a secy of the treasure who didn't pay taxes.....: I would love to be on the obama bandwagon and do wish him all the best in his efforts to clean up the failure that was the moron's regime....but it is increasingly difficult for me to find the change....someone help me with this–Obama is against the war, yet he appoints, in the most significant cabinet positions, those who are FOR the war...he is against torture, yet he RE-appoints gates (the moron's secy of war–er..'defense'..he appoints Clinton, who has an admitted agenda of her own, to secy of state...what gives...and, of course, the economy, being his now-most-important-problem (remember, during the campaign, Iraq was..and he hasnt' mentioned that in nearly 4 monhts......help me understand this!, please!
Good for Kyl Timothy Geithner knew precisely what he was doing when he failed to pay his self employment taxes -- he got his hands caught in the cookie jar. The last person we need heading Treasury is somebody cheating on his taxes. And to those Dems who believe Timothy didn't know any better and just made a series of mistakes, then I say the next to the last person you want heading Treasury is somebody who does ot have the intelligence of a college student when doing his taxes
If he was a republican, there would have been cry heard around the world.
If he "forgot" to pay taxes, how can he run an economy? If he intentionally evaded taxes he should be criminally charged like an other schmuk. But he's a rich democrat; fat chance.
This guy is ridiculous. I love how these brainiacs can forget some rather important details when it is convenient.
Just what is needed, a secretary of the treasury that don't pay his taxes but wants everyone else to. That is typical liberal actions, guess that is another change that BO is bringing in.
What is it with liberal Democrats not paying taxes? I guess what's good for the goose isn't so good for the gander after all.
As far as him being prosecuted, as long as Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield, Wolfowitz, and Rove are still roaming free for war crimes, I'd drop the fake indignation.
The man paid his taxes LATE. It happens all the time, especially to super busy people. I guess Repubs are forgetting that McCain also forgot to pay his taxes, and Joe the Plumber decided he wasn't going to pay his at all. This economy is in shambles, and Geithner is the only person in D.C. who understands the bailout. That's minor if you ask me.
I'm an Obama supporter but wrong is wrong and right is right. Should be no special treatment for anyone when they break any law....
How awful, questioning whether a tax-evader is a suitable candidate for Treasury Secretary. Harry Reid calls is a "minor hiccup".
I guess with Democrats it's just different.
I must say that I part ways with our new president on this one. How can someone who doesn't have his own financial affairs in order expect americans to trust that he will set the country's affairs in order? Certainly, he is not the only person president-elect Obama entertained for this position.
This is nothing compared to the "criminal" acts committed by some of the present members of congress and Bush appointees---–
Why are we so quick to jump to conclusions? This snag does not disqualify him for his post. The money has been paid. Period. Cobra check your grammar! And if you voted for Bush in 2000 or 2004 or both, please keep quiet. Allow the new kids on the block a chance to straighten out this mess Bush STILL refuses to take responsibility for and does not understand he is the worst president we have ever had. He was even worse than James Buchanan. If you compare Timothy Geithner with Paulson, there is no contest. Geithner wins!
That wall street insider Geithner must go!
His arrogance in thinking he could get away with not paying his taxes is a prime example of the wall street malfeasance that has caused our economic collapse.
By letting him stay, TPTB admit there is one set of rules for the DC/NYC robber barons of the 21st Century and another for main street America.
This is no "honest mistake" as Senator Baucus states. What? The guy doesn't know that April 15th comes around every year?
Pathetic!
Get rid of him!
Where's The Change?
Timothy was vetted and the taxes in questioned are paid.. they were paid before he was offered the job... the Obama team caught that...funny how the media don't mention that said taxes are paid and when............
I think it is important for the incoming administration to establish credibility and restore confidence in our federal government. Starting with a treasury secretary that can not keep his own financial obligations current is not going to help. Mr. Obama would show great leadership and courage by withdrawing this nomination and finding another candidate. I wish the new president all the best!
Here is my question: Since it seems that Geithner has reported his income correctly on his tax returns – isn't it the IRS' job to tell him how much taxes he owes? Or am I missing something here?
My dog ate my W2's this past week. I wonder if I could apply for Secretary of the Treasury?
LIsten, stop the nonsense. We do not have time for petty politics right now. Geitner is the BEST for the job. Have him pay whatever penaties and get on with it. We have too many problems to be BSing over this.
Curious what part of this do some of you do not understand, did you read the articles previously about this? The back taxes were paid with interest after the mistake was made. What more could you want from someone? As far as the house keeper she became a citizen 3 months later so it seems that both points are Moot. Kyls just being an obstructionist? How do these things warrant a delay?
Funny how the Dems will justify Geithner cheating the govt. Do you honestly believe he would have paid this if he wasn't up for a cabinet post? I thought you guys were all so smart and decent? Unlike the Repubs that you rail against. This is only the beginning my friends. The Dems will now be on the defense for the next 4 years defending their President and Congress and the Repubs on the offense. It's much easier being on the offense. Come Jan 21 let the accusations fly about the OBAMA adminsitration. Obama isn't like the Clintons who can take a punch and get back up and fight.
Folks you are forgetting one important thing. You ask everyone involved in writing the tax code who does their taxes they all say someone else. Reason being that they themselves don't understand it enough to fill out their own forms. These are the same people that that are questioning him.
Things get missed. It's called life. The problem was found then corrected. End of story.
Yep, I want this guy in charge of the treasury. Congress needs to pull their head out of the sand and say NO. I cannot believe he didn't know he didn't pay his self employment taxes–another "I'm not taking the blame for my stupidness" person. In my state, the state tax and revenue contacts you by mail and call when you are 6-10 mos. This guy didn't pay for 3 years–give me a break. But the Obama cronies are saying he's the right man for the job–huh> Next thing he will be up there sounding the battle horn with Pelosi.
Carlo and James: Please feel free to contact your Senator with all the indisputable evidence you have over the 'crimes" committed by the Bush Administration. Don't forget that unlike Internet blogs, in a court of law you have to actually have proof. But I'm sure you have all the evidence you need ...
Geen@the moron beat the idiots twice.
I'm hoping in a couple of hours we hear that he has withdrawn himself!!
John...cheating the gov't? Correct me if I am wrong but he has paid in full as of today all taxes owned right? So where is the cheat? if anything he has paid more because of the acquired interest. Enough partisan bickering. Does anyone have another prospect for the job that is as qualified as Geithner. Or do we throw him out for this minor issue and put bobo the lovable bear to run the treasury at this crucial time. Urgh you know I had almost forgotten why I hate politics in general.
ACTUALLY.......... GEITHNER, DID EVENTUALLY PAY HIS TAXES. Kyl is the typical Republican, doesn't have any better ideas only knows how to attack and demean.
Hey, the Dems admitted the mistake, paid the taxes PLUS interest! So much for Bush who never admitted he made a mistake and Cheney who hid all who wrote the Energy Bill. We all know it was Kenny Lay and other Oil Crooks!!!!
Hey ReTHUGlicans, you are nothing but a bunch of SORE LOOOOOOSERS!!!!
What Mr. Geithner did was minor compared to those who want to tag him with the "Zoe Board" albatross. He made a mistake, paid his taxes, and got the paperwork issue with his domestic help resolved. Let's move on – the US has bigger problems to deal with...
And Senator Kyl – let's knock off the partisan nonsense please. Every day Mr. Geithner's confirmation hearings are delayed is one day longer Mr. Obama will be forced to wait to "hit the ground running" to solve the US's problems.
Maybe Kyl would rather someone like "Brownie" be appointed since he did such a great job with Katrina disaster! I don't think the republicans have any standing to question someone else's integrity right now - they had better show some first.
The guy is still getting in. He is CFR and Bilderberg. He was at IMF and with the illegal Federal Reserve. He is backed by the true power.
First Richardson withdraws due to a corruption investigation... now money-man didn't pay his taxes.... this is change we can believe in
The American people are in need to move on and do it quickly. Kyl better get with the program or he will also find himeself back in private practice and filling out different taxes.
Hey Mike Pittsburgh, the Congress is like an internet blog you can say anything and not need to have proof and you still get to try and convict the person of 'crimes' w/o procedures of evidence.
Typical Jon Kyl, anything to get attention nothing to provide material help and always follow the party line while getting whatever you can for yourself. What a total waste.
This guy will get in because he's a democrat. The ethics and morals bar is so low in the democrat party that time after time liars(the Clintons), thieves(William Jefferson), frauds(Al Gore) and con-men(Jesse Jackson) are idolized in the Party of Zero Ethics.
Forgot to pay taxes. One year its a mistake after that it is something other than i forgot. How can you forget for 4 years. Please iam an old 72 year ole man, but iam not brain DEAD
So Geithner had to pay back taxes and interest to the tune of +$40,000, yet is still on his way to confirmation? Yet when Joe the Plumber had a tax lien on his house for $1,200, the media used this to discredit him.
This just goes to show that small contractors are held to higher standards than Obama cabinet officials...
He had this business in 2001, 2002,2003, and 2004......got audited for 2003, and 2004 and so he paid for those 2 years.....My question, how dumb, or criminal do you have to be, to not realize you would OF COURSE also owe for 2001 and 2002? Based on that would you call him Incompetent, or Corrupt? It's one of the 2!!
This is a joke right? The guy can't even handle his personal financies. How can we trust that he'll be able to handle the country's?
Whoa, just one minute.
If Geithner had been nominated by a Republican administration the wail from the Dems would be loud and long that Geithner remove himself from consideration. This has happened before and specifically in "Nanny" issues.
The minority party has every right to question this and make sure that the facts are known before the Senate confirms. The minority party is charged with protecting those of us in the minority.
The minority now being mostly hard working tax and bill paying Americans.
We require protection. Not railroading by a left leaning Democratic majority that presides over the least popular branch of our government – Congress.
Even far less popular than President Bush.
Print that CNN.
I'm sure Senator Kyl was quick to question Mike Brown's qualifications for FEMA, too, right?!
This isn't about Bush anymore... If you want to keep putting people in office with Bush's mistakes as a litmus, then we're in trouble.
These appointees are held accountable to a higher standard. The fact that this guy made such a mistake is unfortunate for him but also a reflection of his ability to pay attention to detail... (even if he ended up paying back later). Regardless of Dem or Rep, you can't just let things like this slide... You need someone who knows what they're doing and is going to perform at a caliber above all else...
>>Hmmm, was this his accountant's mistake, by chance??<<
I don't think with this issue, Tim is incompetent.
Most people employed only pay taxes under employment. Who would volunteerily paying extra taxes on own self-employment.
I guess if not for the job, he would not clear the taxes owned.
Its funny when people point fingers at someone who found out he was owing taxes and went back to pay them. I have this question how many of you here file your own taxes by yourself? He his not the only one that got errors on his taxes and repaid. jon kyl or kill has nothing important to say but disrupped any process on going to make this country better. John McCain's wife hasnt paid her taxes when it was released did anyone put a gun to her head? Well i forgot its ok ifits a republican..like joe the reporter and the rest of them.
I voted for Obama, but so far, I am so disappointed. He promised change, so is bringing the Clintons in change? He seems to be copying everything Bill Clinton did, so we should have just elected Hillary, rather than Obama.
And now this appointment? If this guy makes mistakes in his OWN taxes, imagine what he can do to the COUNTRY. A small mistake he made was easily fixed by paying the owed taxes. But can you imagine a "small" mistake like that in the finances of the country? We are in trouble as it is, we need someone who is 100% competent, we cannot afford any mistakes.
Obama, shape up or you will lose in 2012....although I am starting to think you don't care. You got what you wanted, and the heck with the country? Please show me I am wrong. Do the right thing!
Please post, CNN. I am so tired of my comment awaiting moderation and then disappearing. Or are you too skeptical to print anything against Obama, even from a person who voted for him?
Come, are they all perfect, and spotless, all the president-elect's men??
I'm sure he'll get in. It's crazy, but the American people are just turning a blind eye to everyone BO wants. He can't manage his own finances but they think he can manage the whole country. We are in deep trouble. Don't blame me, I didn't vote for the one.
The most important question is 'can this man do the job to get the American economy back on track?' End of story. He did pay his taxes eventually. People were praising him- both Republicans and Democrats now the Republicans are upset. Get over it! And let's get the economy back on track.
Geithner's in a unique position, due to the less than admirable way Paulson's been managing the TARP program. He's apparently the only candidate available who can pick up TARP's reins without getting them all tangled up. It's not at all clear that it would be wise to dismiss him on the basis of resolved errors.
If further investigation were to uncover serious integrity issues, I might feel differently, but this stuff is on a level someone focused on his day job could easily overlook without malicious intent. Otherwise, I'd suggest that we give real job qualifications much more attention than already-resolved bookkeeping errors.
SADSAD "I have this question how many of you here file your own taxes by yourself? He his not the only one that got errors on his taxes and repaid."
Hey, I had the same thing happen to me because I missed paying taxes on stocks I cashed in one year. The difference is that I don't expect to be nominated as secretary of the treasury. I KNOW I'm not qualified. If he couldn't manage his taxes for so many years, and only paid the back taxes after his nomination, it tells me that he just doesn't understand our economy and tax system well enough to hold that cabinet position.
He's a crook, that why he a democrat – we got more scandals with our new president elect than any prior presidents.
Bush is out in 6 short days. I have no idea why this has anything to do with him. Obama picked Geithner not Bush so if you DEMS want to keep bashing Bush do it for what he has done not for what Obama has done. And get off of your high horse and start bashing Obama for his mistakes. I have one question for you all who attacked us on Sept 11 and which Pres. had the chance to put this person in American's hands before the attack????? Lets really start bashing if you want to!
Actually Geithner was informed by the IRS in 2006 that he owed back taxes. He forgot about them until he got nominated by Obama, then he paid up before it became public. Kind of like Obama practicing the religion of racism and hate before being caught, thus forcing him to throw his mentor under the bus, in order to keep alive the myth of him being an honest man.
Confirm another Obama crook who will strip more of our money from our pockets.
Mom, is recess over yet?
German Irish American, Thank you, you just explained it perfectly well.
Obama has good judgement and character.
Carlo, unless you have facts to back it up, calling our President a war criminal is just plain stupid. People like you are morons.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I guess the difference between Kyl and Gaithnier is that Gaithnier admitted that he made some mistakes (or his accountant did, but that doesn't take Gaithnier off the hook), rectified it by paying the taxes, penalties and interest, and his housekeeper's status has been cleared up and she is now an American citizen. At least she was legal when he HIRED her, unlike some now really quiet Republicans who have been knowingly hiring illegals for years.
I believe he showed integrity by making it public, and paying all of what was owed instead of hiring a flashy lawyer and accountant to prove he didn't owe it. Oh, I forgot, that's only allowed for Republicans!
Pot – kettle – black, guys.
This is Cronyism at its best! I am a retired widow living on Social Security and when my taxes got messed up back in 1991, I owed the IRS 975.00 and before I could even contact them to set up a pay schedule, they froze my checking account so that I could not even buy bread and milk! This is over a lousy 975.00 and look at the harshness with which the average american is treated ... I can't even imagine what they would have done to me if I owed them what Geithner owed!!!
Judy, Texas
German,Irish American January 14th, 2009 1:31 pm ET
Actually Geithner was informed by the IRS in 2006 that he owed back taxes. He forgot about them until he got nominated by Obama, then he paid up before it became public. Kind of like Obama practicing the religion of racism and hate before being caught, thus forcing him to throw his mentor under the bus, in order to keep alive the myth of him being an honest man.
______________________________________________________
When are you going to go back to Germany where you grew up as a boy? Hmmmm...?
You never know what's down the road... I am a democrat and an Obama supporter and if this appointee has done something illegal then he should not be confirmed.
Carlo
Get over yourself. If Bush had committed a crime, the democratic, lets investigate everything 100 times congress, would have impeached him years ago.