CNN Political Ticker
1066 days ago

Obama info czar takes leave during FBI investigation

 President Obama, who sports a special PDA since being sworn in, named his administration's chief information officer just last week.
President Obama, who sports a special PDA since being sworn in, named his administration's chief information officer just last week.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – After just a week on the job, the Obama administration’s new chief information officer is taking a leave of absence until further notice.

A White House official tells CNN that Vivek Kundra is taking a leave from his post at the Office of Management and Budget until more details become known about an FBI investigation that resulted in a search of his former work place.

Related: FBI searches Washington technology office

A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that Kundra is not involved in the case.

Related: Obama names chief information officer


Filed under: Obama administration • Popular Posts
soundoff (162 Responses)
  1. fearful for my country

    The problem with hiring a crrok to run your business is that the crook usually goes on to hire his crook buddies and the next thing you know......your business has been robbed blind and you are bankrupt. Sound familiar?

    March 12, 2009 07:20 pm at 7:20 pm |
  2. Illinois Tom

    Shocking! Change we can believe in! Yes we can! Bill Ayers was just a guy in my neighborhood. I listened to 500 Reverend Wright sermons and never knew he was a racist. No lobbyists will be in my administration. I will go through the budget line by line to eliminate waste. I will end the Iraq war. The planet will begin to heal. Etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum.

    March 12, 2009 07:26 pm at 7:26 pm |
  3. Oubj

    I can not tell how much scrutiny obama adm. is being given. They just want to keep scaring people. They are almost going after the President.What is so wrong with my country?

    March 12, 2009 07:31 pm at 7:31 pm |
  4. Ken

    Were they sent by Lou dobbs? looks like it!

    March 12, 2009 07:32 pm at 7:32 pm |
  5. Ben

    And that picture is misleading!

    March 12, 2009 07:33 pm at 7:33 pm |
  6. stan boren

    I believe more than ever, that Pres. Obama needs to replace his vetting team. I could phone in a better investigative report than these "PRO's" seem to do. I am appalled at the amount of appointees that seem to have forgotten to pay their taxes and a few other infractions. Will the last honest person in Congress please turn off the lights when you leave? Of course they never leave do they. They resurface as a lobbyist while getting full pension and perks from us taxpayers. Pretty pathetic and disgusting. Forget the disillusioned younger generation, I am two weeks short of 70 and I am just about ready to quit voting Nationally. Local wise, not much better either.

    March 12, 2009 07:35 pm at 7:35 pm |
  7. C W

    These are the operative words of the story, before all the bloggers go ballistic:

    "A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that Kundra is not involved in the case."

    March 12, 2009 07:36 pm at 7:36 pm |
  8. Sue

    I love these kinds of stories already... it's a sign that the economy is going to be on the rebound...
    Shades of 93 all over again. SWEET!
    Start investing, because these are going to be the lowest prices you see in years folks!

    March 12, 2009 07:37 pm at 7:37 pm |
  9. Nick

    Stop disecting one story. Write it all. This is the third post on this story. looks like our country have been hijacked by the media!

    March 12, 2009 07:37 pm at 7:37 pm |
  10. vic nashville,Tn

    "A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that Kundra is not involved in the case."

    Cover-up

    March 12, 2009 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |
  11. daniel

    hello president obama
    president obama my name is daniel plishtiyev. i am eleven years old. i just wanna give you a tip i think you should try helping the economy

    March 12, 2009 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |
  12. Simmy

    He is doing the right thing. Let the media and Republicans spin this story out of control. This President is a Godsend, and no amount of propaganda is going to stick to him. Bush and his jailbirds had free reign in the White House for 8 years. Surely we can give our new President's administration some time, considering the load of mess they were handed by Bush on his way out. The media needs to stop creating stories where none exist. Stay encouraged, President Obama. Sunshine always follows rain.......

    March 12, 2009 07:40 pm at 7:40 pm |
  13. Angie

    is there anyone in his cabinet not tainted?

    March 12, 2009 07:41 pm at 7:41 pm |
  14. Tony

    Oh man, this is rich! Obama the Master Vetter strikes again!

    March 12, 2009 07:45 pm at 7:45 pm |
  15. rachel

    thought this had nothing to do with info czar why the leave ?

    March 12, 2009 07:46 pm at 7:46 pm |
  16. johnbrain

    Caulk up one more to change you can believe in (if you happen to be a moron). Are there no qualified Democrats to place in Obama's Administration? Also what ever happened to "transparency?"

    March 12, 2009 07:51 pm at 7:51 pm |
  17. Gordon Shumway

    I'm just glad that there is someone like Obama at the helm and not any of these unsavory crooks that he's trying to appoint to important roles in our government. Wouldn't it be terrible if his judgment was this bad on important things like homeland security, health care, wealth distribution and the economy? Oh yeah, that's right, his judgment definitely sucks on all those issues too!

    March 12, 2009 07:52 pm at 7:52 pm |
  18. El Toro

    I don't understand why they make such a big deal over this stuff. Obama is shady, his henchmen are shady, what is new? The guy might as well not go on leave, just keep being shady and hang in there. They can just do their thing and be happy.

    March 12, 2009 07:53 pm at 7:53 pm |
  19. Richard

    Obama's man is not involved. Don't you feel as stupid as you actually are? Apparently, FAUX News had the "whole" story…I'm sure the've implicated Cookie Monster.

    March 12, 2009 07:54 pm at 7:54 pm |
  20. ken

    Did he ask Mccain for vetting advice?

    March 12, 2009 07:54 pm at 7:54 pm |
  21. Blake

    Thanks for bringing change to Washington, Obama!

    Your picks have been phenomenal!

    March 12, 2009 07:56 pm at 7:56 pm |
  22. gl, Pittsburgh

    I really hate this mess and I know who is behind all of this the Republicans are all over any body President Obama pick. NO one is prefect, but the Republicans are on a man hunt and they will stop at nothing to bring the President Adminstrtatiion down. If I was the President I would make sure every body on the Bush Administration to trail for their war crime.

    March 12, 2009 08:01 pm at 8:01 pm |
  23. Majik

    Oh no not another corrupt politican. Speaks volumes about Obamas judgement.

    March 12, 2009 08:04 pm at 8:04 pm |
  24. Jon in CA

    Wait... I thought all the obama-pologists were yelling how this guy wasn't involved??

    Why is he taking a leave??

    Strike another one for Obama. Taxcheats, Lobbyists with conflicts of interests, FBI probes.

    Who knew it would be SO hard for Obama to find a few CLEAN democrats????

    March 12, 2009 08:05 pm at 8:05 pm |
  25. barrie

    As I sit here laid off and I see H1Bs having the inside track, I go surprise, surprise. Our government seems to be willing to be taken for a ride while tax paying Americans can't get a job. Go figure...I am sad.

    March 12, 2009 08:05 pm at 8:05 pm |
  26. No Hillary = No Obama

    Is Obama just a poor judge of character or does politics attract opportunists, swindlers, cheaters, narcissistic types?

    March 12, 2009 08:08 pm at 8:08 pm |
  27. Jim

    We're learning very quickly we have a criminal Administation.

    March 12, 2009 08:08 pm at 8:08 pm |
  28. albo58

    Geez, can't this administration stay above the law? Shouldn't we the American taxpayers expect/demand some sort of ethical behavior from these public servants? The days of blaming Bush for the beginning of time to date are over. So it's time for Obama to walk the walk/talk the talk!

    March 12, 2009 08:11 pm at 8:11 pm |
  29. aggie7214

    Another crook in the administration? Imagine that! This is almost as bad as the clinton era!

    March 12, 2009 08:12 pm at 8:12 pm |
  30. Bob

    Sure is hard to find good help these days – especially if you are a Democrat.

    March 12, 2009 08:12 pm at 8:12 pm |
  31. The Info Czar is guilty...

    and he's going down.

    March 12, 2009 08:13 pm at 8:13 pm |
  32. liz

    and now come all of the guilty until proven innocent and then still guilty rantings...

    March 12, 2009 08:16 pm at 8:16 pm |
  33. Jana

    That's some Change we can believe in....

    March 12, 2009 08:20 pm at 8:20 pm |
  34. Ed, Santa Fe, NM

    so FBI still works for Bush and Cheney?

    March 12, 2009 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |
  35. Ray Fisher

    Perhaps they are looking for unpaid taxes???

    March 12, 2009 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |
  36. Frank

    Is this man not a scam?

    How many of his selections are convicts, tax cheats, or have suspect pasts?

    Can we have a new election?

    This man compared to Lincoln?

    An empty suit

    March 12, 2009 08:32 pm at 8:32 pm |
  37. Henry Miller, Cary, NC

    What are the odds that Obama is just so unlucky in picking people to work for him that a third of them turn out to be crooks? Isn't it a lot more likely that DC is so full of crooks that it's hard to avoid them?

    March 12, 2009 08:34 pm at 8:34 pm |
  38. Steve (the real one)

    Somebody, please explain to me what the heck is going on here!! This is no longer funny!

    March 12, 2009 08:41 pm at 8:41 pm |
  39. Charlie in Maine

    "A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that Kundra is not involved in the case"

    Question for CNN: If that is the story then why the headline?
    .

    March 12, 2009 08:44 pm at 8:44 pm |
  40. Rod

    I think its nice to have an administration that would like the people in it to be above reproach. Good Job Obama, and by the way, Great work so far and pay no attention to those negative minded republican haters.

    March 12, 2009 08:45 pm at 8:45 pm |
  41. gawania

    Oh it is just coincidental that everytime Obama appoints someone they are being investigated for something or other. .. I do not believe in coincidences but I do believe in tit for tat.. and I see it's like that. You could not stop his presidency but you can do everything possible to try to degrade and debase him.. bad sports and poor loser still stick out like a sore thumb..

    March 12, 2009 08:46 pm at 8:46 pm |
  42. Tom in Delaware

    Let's be fair...there's really no story here, at least right now.

    Vivek Kundra isn't a suspect but it's pretty bad timing considering all the reat of the chaos going on.

    I'm a conservative and I can dish out a smarmy remark with the best of them, but I really would like to see this economy start to calm down.

    Hope he gets back on the job soon.

    March 12, 2009 08:46 pm at 8:46 pm |
  43. Tiff of lithia springs

    OMG! What mess have we stirred up now?

    March 12, 2009 08:50 pm at 8:50 pm |
  44. Reality Check

    Figures... so what is new?!

    March 12, 2009 08:54 pm at 8:54 pm |
  45. xddy4u

    All this is getting RIDICULOUS. Give Obama a Break. I see the fight is not getting this Country going, it's about trying to make Obama look Bad.

    March 12, 2009 08:55 pm at 8:55 pm |
  46. The Rector

    And I thought the republicanc were shady!

    March 12, 2009 09:03 pm at 9:03 pm |
  47. karkri

    I am a huge Obama supporter, but something is seriously wrong with his vetting process, if there is any.

    March 12, 2009 09:04 pm at 9:04 pm |
  48. fred

    oh gosh..........we don't need these czars anyways. If government personel was a spending bill, these czars would be the earmarks in it.

    March 12, 2009 09:05 pm at 9:05 pm |
  49. DIZIZI31

    What is the GOP up to now?

    March 12, 2009 09:09 pm at 9:09 pm |
  50. ja3p0

    how many questionable connections does this president have to have before being questioned the tough questions himself? i mean, during the campaign it was accepted that the media didn't do its job. but with all of the badgering that Clinton and Bush went through you'd think that the election euphoria would wear off.

    March 12, 2009 09:10 pm at 9:10 pm |
  51. Mel of Alexandria, Virginia

    Let us wait to see how the right wing nuts will spin this, because until there is news there is no news.

    March 12, 2009 09:15 pm at 9:15 pm |
  52. bob in delaware

    here come the right wing nuts in 5...4....3...2...1...

    March 12, 2009 09:15 pm at 9:15 pm |
  53. Jen, Cali

    WASHINGTON (CNN) – After just a week on the job, the Obama administration’s new chief information officer is taking a leave of absence until further notice.
    ------–

    OKAY, then - what does THAT tell us?

    March 12, 2009 09:16 pm at 9:16 pm |
  54. Steve

    I have never seen a President so mired in Scandal. He can't even find enough people to fill his cabinet. What a shame. And all those people he fooled...

    March 12, 2009 09:18 pm at 9:18 pm |
  55. Alfred E Neumann

    Ah, Kundra "is not involved in the case."

    That kind of statement is usually followed late on a Friday evening by news that he is leaving the administration to "spend more time with his family."

    Later, much later, on a busy news day CNN will report that he is under indictment.

    Now if he were a conservative...

    March 12, 2009 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |
  56. Obama is not my Hero!

    If his not involved, then why take a leave of absence? Welcome to the Obama Show!

    March 12, 2009 09:20 pm at 9:20 pm |
  57. Sniffme

    Change you can believe in :) Dont blame me I voted for the other guy

    March 12, 2009 09:24 pm at 9:24 pm |
  58. Hanna

    This stuff is just becoming stupid.

    March 12, 2009 09:31 pm at 9:31 pm |
  59. aware

    The robotic novice doesn't have a clue but he likes the perks! :(

    March 12, 2009 09:34 pm at 9:34 pm |
  60. mh

    Obama and his minions are just the same old sleazy politicians.

    March 12, 2009 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |
  61. Eddie

    Funny nobody comments on this.

    March 12, 2009 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |
  62. Disappointed

    Typical... I voted for change and I don't see it.

    Just more wasteful spending and more political antics and corruption.

    I am disappointed and it hasn't even been 2 months...

    March 12, 2009 09:41 pm at 9:41 pm |
  63. Denver Mom

    If he weren't President, this is almost bordering comical.

    March 12, 2009 09:46 pm at 9:46 pm |
  64. dumbocrat alert

    your cabinet choices have been as bad as your campaign promises.

    March 12, 2009 09:47 pm at 9:47 pm |
  65. James

    Does Obama know anyone that is not a crook or being investigated. He has the canny ability to find tax cheats etc. He should work for the IRS.

    March 12, 2009 09:50 pm at 9:50 pm |
  66. Sara

    I am glad that President Obama took such swift action, and made the man take a leave of absence right away!

    March 12, 2009 09:55 pm at 9:55 pm |
  67. Truth Bomb Thrower

    We are at the beginning at what will be the most corrupt administration this country has ever seen.

    March 12, 2009 09:57 pm at 9:57 pm |
  68. Larry

    This administration is a real work of art.

    March 12, 2009 09:59 pm at 9:59 pm |
  69. stag

    YAHOO...this is the change we voted for.

    Obama 08...not one of our better ideas.

    March 12, 2009 10:02 pm at 10:02 pm |
  70. Keith in Austin

    Birds of a feather......

    March 12, 2009 10:04 pm at 10:04 pm |
  71. bj,texas

    Uh oh, another embarrasing moment for the messaih. Why doesn't the whole administration go on a leave of absense. Just a little while, say for the next 4 years! I think our country will be better off.

    March 12, 2009 10:05 pm at 10:05 pm |
  72. Had It

    Hire an American – I'm so sick of all the foreigners coming here and taking the jobs and not doing what they are supposed to.

    HIRE AMERICAN

    March 12, 2009 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |
  73. Benn

    OMG! what is going on with this administration? I guess this is the President's idea of change, losing appointees like flies on a rotting corpse?

    March 12, 2009 10:11 pm at 10:11 pm |
  74. Bob

    And the corruption continues.

    Amazing.

    March 12, 2009 10:14 pm at 10:14 pm |
  75. Nathan

    For all of u freaks who voted for obama. This is a good example of how the country will be negatively affected by a man who hangs out with people that have bad judgement.

    March 12, 2009 10:20 pm at 10:20 pm |
  76. bs

    Pres. Obama should send the Czar to stop Bloomberg and the MTA from incraesing fares. Where is all that pork going?

    No 3rd Term for Bloomberg!

    March 12, 2009 10:20 pm at 10:20 pm |
  77. 30m-Democrat-voted Clinton then McCain

    If this isn't MORE OF THE SAME, then I don't know what is.

    March 12, 2009 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |
  78. Bobby

    Obamas administration is full of shady characters and your typical Washington insiders. Were is the 'CHANGE ?

    March 12, 2009 10:26 pm at 10:26 pm |
  79. Jim

    Can Obama make a single good pick for any position?

    March 12, 2009 10:27 pm at 10:27 pm |
  80. Jason Smith

    Notice how little attention is given to this story in light of all the other appointments with tax/ethical problems one would think this would be a much bigger story but then again I'm not suprised. I wonder how many people turn to your website to get accurate and balanced political insight and information only to turn quickly to another...

    March 12, 2009 10:33 pm at 10:33 pm |
  81. reagan fan forever

    Seriously, does Obama even KNOW anyone who is a decent person?

    March 12, 2009 10:40 pm at 10:40 pm |
  82. Al-Virginia

    When is this nightmare going to end with Pres Obama's appointees.
    Who is in charge of the vetting process. Looks like another
    blunder by this administration.

    March 12, 2009 10:44 pm at 10:44 pm |
  83. JOSE IN NORTHRIDGE

    this,,,,,,,,,,,,,administration,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,is,,,,,,,,,,,,,riddled,,,,,,,,,,,,with,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    criminal,,,,,,,,,,activity,,,,,,,,,,,,led,,,,,,,,,,,,,,by,,,,,,,,,,,the,,,,,,,,,,messiah

    March 12, 2009 10:54 pm at 10:54 pm |
  84. R FROM PA

    Not another Obama appointee in trouble with the law. How many is that now? Is this the change we are to believe in?

    March 12, 2009 10:56 pm at 10:56 pm |
  85. Ula Nejad Sacramento, Ca

    Aww.. why not just investigate all the phony czars while they are at it. They even have a new czar for women too. Too many positions duplicated. Good call by the well respected Senator Bryd.

    March 12, 2009 11:03 pm at 11:03 pm |
  86. LisaB

    What happened to the great Obama vetting process?

    March 12, 2009 11:03 pm at 11:03 pm |
  87. Maggie

    Perhaps Obama needs to be investigated as well as the other FBI investigations. He does not seem to attract anything but shady people with questionable alies.

    March 12, 2009 11:13 pm at 11:13 pm |
  88. Neecy

    Nice job...keep up that solid judgement Mr. Prezident!! You sure can pick'em.

    March 12, 2009 11:13 pm at 11:13 pm |
  89. TCM

    utterly amazing how this guy "coincidentally," quit just prior to the FBI raiding the office.....The FBI gathers data and surveillance for months on individuals before arrests are made. Obama knew about it, and advised his pick to quit...and that he'd delay the raid....that's how dirty OBama, and his Chicago style of politics are....totally shameful for this country to have such a thug in the White House. I hope you libs are proud of the way you disgraced this country.

    March 12, 2009 11:17 pm at 11:17 pm |
  90. Jonathan

    interesting...

    March 12, 2009 11:25 pm at 11:25 pm |
  91. Bob the Observer

    Our new president is fast becoming the 21st century version of US Grant - a great man who has no judgment regarding character. From his first pick, Rahm Emmanuel, to his most recent one, he seems to find the sleasiest and most flawed of all. Ron Kirk, corrupt former mayor of Dallas, is trying to pay back taxes so he can be appointed, and the list goes on. Bush had Cheney and Rove. Nearly all of Mr. Obama's choices are looking like that.

    He needs to find one good, honest person to make his choices for him. And he needs to do it fast. Grant was probably one of the most honest, humble, and moral men to ever be a president, but his adminstration is arguably the most corrupt we ever had.

    I hope and pray that Barack Obama can avoid repeating history.

    March 12, 2009 11:28 pm at 11:28 pm |
  92. Scott, Tucson

    This has got to be the most inept administration ever in seating cabinet/administration personnel. And they're going to fix the economy? They can't even get their own house in order.

    March 12, 2009 11:32 pm at 11:32 pm |
  93. Misery Missouri

    An Administration member in trouble and its not Taxes evation! Good news.

    March 12, 2009 11:41 pm at 11:41 pm |
  94. Joe

    Lou Dobbs tried soo much to stick this on Obama but by now by just watching his show you would be turned off straight aways since the truth sticks out straight away....How sad!

    March 12, 2009 11:42 pm at 11:42 pm |
  95. KS Hawk

    This non story has been up for almost 5 hours with out a single post getting through. I for one already tried to post but CNN rejected it. Why? Maybe because I challenged how misleading the title is. Brought up the fact that Obama's aide has nothing to do with this per the FBI AND the fact this took place under Bush Admin. and FBI was investigating BEFORE Kundra was appointed, and that same story was on ticker earlier under a different misleading title. Looks like CNN is the new Fox News and that you don't post any comment that you disagree with.

    March 12, 2009 11:45 pm at 11:45 pm |
  96. Sabreen60

    Maybe the corruption is deeper and far more reaching than President Obama realized. I'd say there is a lot of house cleaning to do.

    March 12, 2009 11:57 pm at 11:57 pm |
  97. Iyapo Kontar

    The news media has gone to far in their reporting talking about thing that they know nothing.

    How can they talk about Tim Geithner as if he was some kind of dummy

    They need to get in there place and remember if they don't they could be out of work.

    Thing quick and we Americans arnt (Dummies.

    March 13, 2009 12:02 am at 12:02 am |
  98. Jason

    is it that there are simply no non-corrupt politicians left for Obama to appoint to his cabinet? Hell, I'll take a job in politics. Why not...

    March 13, 2009 12:04 am at 12:04 am |
  99. Gary

    It is so hard to believe how much trouble the obama administration has had in only 2 months – - 3 appointees with tax problems, 3 other treasury appointees withdrawl due to secret vetting problems, an attorney general who brokered a "pardon for cash" bribe, at least 3 waivers to allow lobbiest in the administration and now the FBI raiding this guys office? What is next?

    He promised to be out of Iraq in 16 months – that's not happening, he's talking about 35 to 50K troops perminently. A surge in Afghanistan? No constitutional rights for Gitmo detainees? A deficit so huge it makes Bush look fiscally responsible? earmarks? pork spending? socialized medicine? raising taxes?

    I don't get it....it's like he wants to go down in history as being the worst President in history. I've never seen so many problems in such a short time. Can anyone explain this?

    March 13, 2009 12:04 am at 12:04 am |
  100. B

    What's up with all this CZAR crap? People this is one strange president. He does think he's A god. Chief Information Officer, now that sounds like grown ups are running the show. Commander In Chief is a real job not a video game.

    Word Origins: czar
    Top
    Home > Library > Literature & Language > International Word Origins

    from Russian
    This word originated in Russia

    Many countries have had kings and emperors, monarchs and tyrants, dictators and autocrats. But only Russia has had a real czar.

    The character of a czar was established by the first Russian ruler to bear that title, Ivan IV. When he was seventeen, in 1547, he was crowned czar of all Russia. By the time of his death thirty-seven years later, he had earned the nickname Ivan the Terrible. He governed absolutely, and he ruthlessly eliminated anyone who stood in his way, including not only the nobility but also his son and heir, Ivan, whom he killed in a rage. He had seven wives, not at once but in succession. When he tired of one, she would be murdered or sent off to a nunnery. But he was also intelligent, learned, and a talented writer. It was during his reign that printing was introduced to Russia.

    March 13, 2009 12:05 am at 12:05 am |
  101. John from LA

    So now Obamabots-what is this all about?-hmmmmmm-but all of you will say-this has nothing to do with the Great and almighty O-chicago politics all the way!!!-and before any of the Bots start with their "repug" crap-I've been following politics for 30 years...and I'm an Independent.

    But most of the people posting here were born during Clinton's admin-Remember..It's OK to disagree and hold your Pres. accountable!

    March 13, 2009 12:15 am at 12:15 am |
  102. TC

    Obama...ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!
    do a little background on these people!!!
    You are such a huge dissapointment. Can't wait till your 4 years is up!!!

    March 13, 2009 06:02 am at 6:02 am |
  103. TC

    When are you going to do what you PROMISED???? and when are you going to take responsibility??? move on and live up to your promisises!!!
    You cannot blame everything on the past!!! You are a huge dissapointment...to say the least! I am sorry you got my vote, I will not be LIED to again... Go ahead Democrats start your mud slinging, and blame the Bush administration... that is all you have is BLAME BLAME BLAME!!!!! well this is all yours !!! OWN IT!!!!

    March 13, 2009 06:20 am at 6:20 am |
  104. James in CA. I can't wait

    I can't wait to see all the Rushkins and the Wizzard of OZ make comments on this story.

    "A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that Kundra is not involved in the case."

    That will not stop those on the Right from accusing another appointee of Obama's from being accused falsely for things he was not involved with or did.

    Nothing is beyond those on the Right that want Obama to fail, political party first, country last.

    March 13, 2009 06:25 am at 6:25 am |
  105. Joe

    LOL, where are all the comments in support of Obama today? Appointing tax evaders and people of questionable ethical backgrounds are just a few of the hundreds of things Barack Obama has done wrong or is currently doing wrong. We will hear the word "impeachment" by the end of this term.

    March 13, 2009 06:46 am at 6:46 am |
  106. meadowlands

    Ahh – another one bites the dust. BO isn't doing so good with his administration picks. I guess he isn't as smart as he (or the Dumbocrats) thinks he is. If you are the owner or boss of a business you are responsible for what goes on on your watch. It was his duty to know. Good luck with this guy being chief information officer – he can't even run a company and he is going to be chief techie for the US.
    What a joke. Looks like the only people Obama knows are crooks

    March 13, 2009 07:01 am at 7:01 am |
  107. LIZ

    I think President Obama needs to Just start all over on his cabinet, aides, etc. Really vet them this time. Start with the Sec. of Treasury and work his way down–there's not a lot of confidence in a man who didn't pay his taxes being the Sec of Treasury

    March 13, 2009 07:16 am at 7:16 am |
  108. Steve

    Why can't this man seem to be able to fill his cabinet without a flow of crooked cronies. Never mind, I forgot he's from Chicago.

    March 13, 2009 07:17 am at 7:17 am |
  109. rachel

    hmmm why the leave so soon. Nothing to hide why dip out so soon?

    March 13, 2009 07:30 am at 7:30 am |
  110. cruiserGT

    Wow... it is good to know that someone has their eyes open and realized something was amiss. Kundra will not be able to hold this position if his underlings being investigated are guilty of stealing public money. Especially when such a post requires a very high level of trust.

    The CIO must be beyond reproach. I am surprised that Kundra was able to get without being highly recommended. It would be interesting to know who placed Kundra on the short list?

    March 13, 2009 07:30 am at 7:30 am |
  111. Polly

    All of his picks are in trouble. It's old already.

    March 13, 2009 07:38 am at 7:38 am |
  112. bobg

    In the Bush administration, Kundra would have recieved a promotion.

    March 13, 2009 07:41 am at 7:41 am |
  113. Bosworth

    Doesn't this guy know ANYONE without conspicuously tainted connections? Vetting?????

    March 13, 2009 07:54 am at 7:54 am |
  114. Richard A. Spomer, Alexandria, VA

    President Obama,

    You would think You would have had better people wanting to work in your administration, and have a selecting committee with understanding what job are being filled, and the best qualification of candidates being looked at. It is not your fault, however, the flunkies you are paying a good salaries to be letting you down big time, you should just fire them now.

    March 13, 2009 07:55 am at 7:55 am |
  115. Joel

    Some change same old failed POlicys

    Haven't we heard this before

    See what 785 million buys you

    March 13, 2009 07:58 am at 7:58 am |
  116. Dan

    Just another day in the most corrupt administration in the history of this country. I cannot believe this buffoon is the President. I wish GW was back. Barry is a joke. His appointees are crooks. His VP is an idiot. He is ruining our economy...and before you say it is Bush's fault, check your facts. It is largely due to the democrat controlled congress that we are in this mess. Besides, Barry ran the economy further into the ground in his two months as President than any other President in History. You know what? Keep the Change. If that is Hope and Change you can believe in, then you are all a bunch of delusional idiots. Can't wait till 2012 when the Republicans regain control of both houses and the Presidency. You will say that won't happen, but it did very soon after Carter and Barry is Carter on steroids...lol. Republicans 2010, 2012

    March 13, 2009 08:04 am at 8:04 am |
  117. Dawn

    ok, and he is taking a leave of absence, because the FBI is investgation some wrong doings, so where the h*ll was the FBI at during the Dubyas 8 years.

    March 13, 2009 08:04 am at 8:04 am |
  118. RUVTECH

    More change you can believe in.....

    March 13, 2009 08:05 am at 8:05 am |
  119. CNN ( certainly not news )

    WOW!!!!! ARE ALL OF OBAMAS ACQUAINTANCES CRIMINAL!!!!!

    THIS IS A REAL HOOT, THATS WHAT THIS IS......

    And just for you dummycraps.....show me his birth certificate, show me his school records. I feel you will find some really dark secret in his school essays.

    March 13, 2009 08:06 am at 8:06 am |
  120. paul

    WHAT?!!

    What happened to Transparency? What happened to Change in the old Washington way? What happened to THOROUGH back round checking?!

    But he remains calm. That's what you have to love about Mr Obama, no matter how many of his cronies are shown to break the law ... and failing to pay taxes is BREAKING THE LAW ... no matter how many come under investigation, no matter how many had/have their hands in the economic mess of today (Hello Tim and Mr Summers), Mr Obama remains calm, cool and collective. Gotta love a man like that.

    ugh

    March 13, 2009 08:10 am at 8:10 am |
  121. Fred NJ

    Now THIS is change we can believe in. Wow...this clown is in WAY over his head. Does anyone in the Democratic party have any integrity left? Can one decent democrat please stand up?

    March 13, 2009 08:18 am at 8:18 am |
  122. Todd

    Wow! Just one, Obama!! Please pick just one person to be on your staff who doesn't have something blow up in both of your faces once you announce them.

    I'm not even a fan of Barrack, but I am starting to feel sorry for the guy. Maybe this was too tough of a job for him!

    March 13, 2009 08:18 am at 8:18 am |
  123. d1120

    Another one bites the dust.....what's the count up to...50?

    March 13, 2009 08:20 am at 8:20 am |
  124. Proud Conservative

    Just another day in the most corrupt administration in the history of this country. I cannot believe this buffoon is the President. I wish GW was back. Barry is a joke. His appointees are crooks. His VP is an idiot. He is ruining our economy...and before you say it is Bush's fault, check your facts. It is largely due to the democrat controlled congress that we are in this mess. Besides, Barry ran the economy further into the ground in his two months as President than any other President in History. You know what? Keep the Change. If that is Hope and Change you can believe in, then you are all a bunch of delusional idiots. Can't wait till 2012 when the Republicans regain control of both houses and the Presidency. You will say that won't happen, but it did very soon after Carter and Barry is Carter on steroids...lol. Republicans 2010, 2012...

    March 13, 2009 08:21 am at 8:21 am |
  125. sna

    President Obama said " Let's Clean Up Corruption " He will have to get a totall new staff. A new generation !

    March 13, 2009 08:22 am at 8:22 am |
  126. Mustang Allie

    Does this clown know ANYBODY who is not a crook??????

    March 13, 2009 08:25 am at 8:25 am |
  127. Libertarian

    OK...before the "dittoheads" start making comments...READ THE STORY. I know you'd rather just grab the headline but READ.

    Also, why do you call people that listen to CNN sheep and then proudly call yourself "dittoheads"?

    March 13, 2009 08:27 am at 8:27 am |
  128. AJ

    Is there any administration we've had in recent memory that has had this many people of questionable character? America, I think we might have made a big mistake.

    March 13, 2009 08:30 am at 8:30 am |
  129. dave b

    Obama lied........the economy died

    March 13, 2009 08:31 am at 8:31 am |
  130. Russell

    A change might come one day!

    March 13, 2009 08:33 am at 8:33 am |
  131. Debby, NJ...foot soldier 'til 2016

    Let's see how the Got No PLan Party can spin this...I bet it's a Republican!!!

    March 13, 2009 08:36 am at 8:36 am |
  132. Sharon Northern Virginia

    I guess President Obama didn't know how corrupted Washington really was. I do hope that he doesn't become one of them.

    March 13, 2009 08:37 am at 8:37 am |
  133. Independent Paul

    Wow, this administration is setting a record for resignations and investigations. And it has only been 53 days!

    If Obama's vetting team is the same team that went through the stimulus bill and the budget, we are all completely screwed.

    March 13, 2009 08:38 am at 8:38 am |
  134. Kevin in Ohio

    Something stinks here.

    March 13, 2009 08:39 am at 8:39 am |
  135. S Callahan

    So what is the story? spies? corruption? What?

    March 13, 2009 08:41 am at 8:41 am |
  136. carlo

    Why do I know that the GOP nuts are going to jump on this and hurl unwarranted accusations? They're so desperate for a gotcha moment. It's really pathetic.

    March 13, 2009 08:44 am at 8:44 am |
  137. KC

    and another Obama appointee under investigation (if he's not involved, why the need to take leave?). I wonder...do you think this is a paid leave of absence? Some hypocrisy knows no bounds...

    March 13, 2009 08:53 am at 8:53 am |
  138. Obama is a Usurper

    What else did you expect from Obama's picks for anything. The man only knows radicals. Funny, I just read an article about Hitler and its amazing how Obama seems to be doing exactly what he did.

    March 13, 2009 08:56 am at 8:56 am |
  139. Anthony R. Seta

    So what are the charges against the two employees involved? Is this part of an on-going investigation? How far back? Why are none of these important tangible detail items being provided to the public?

    Sorry for all the questions, but the story line leads one to conclude the worst unless we have proper details to put everything into context.

    March 13, 2009 08:59 am at 8:59 am |
  140. ted

    barry sure knows how to pick them... then again there's a thing called due diligence that doesn't apply to his staff. i hate living in a world with no government accountability.

    March 13, 2009 09:07 am at 9:07 am |
  141. Greg Pottstown, Pa.

    This is not good. I don't like Obama's policies but you have to hand it to him, it is not easy to do that job without your advisers in place. The problem I think is that he went after bush and repubs so hard that now he can't find anyone that can live up to his standards. I think that it turns out that bush was no worse than the rest of our reps and now Obama is paying the price for their indiscretions.

    March 13, 2009 09:12 am at 9:12 am |
  142. cnnnewser

    If Kundra is not involved in the case then why make such a big deal out of it?
    Course we know fingers will end up being pointed at President obama – the nitwit newsers will try and link this to him in any way they can.

    March 13, 2009 09:20 am at 9:20 am |
  143. Terri

    What is going on with these appointments?

    March 13, 2009 09:22 am at 9:22 am |
  144. sniffhole

    Shocker.

    Another criminal under investigation for the Groid in charge.

    who would'a thunk it.

    March 13, 2009 09:27 am at 9:27 am |
  145. Johnny Dago

    Color me surprised.

    March 13, 2009 09:28 am at 9:28 am |
  146. Throw money at a problem and it will go away and return with more problems.

    Well things must not be looking good for liberals right now. I can always tell because CNN has closed all the comment threads but this one and not introduced anything new.

    March 13, 2009 09:30 am at 9:30 am |
  147. steve

    President Obama and Democrats should cut Sen Mccain and Shelby out of any responsibility in their debate going forward.
    Both went to national Tv last sunday and asked that the national banks be let to fail.
    They are simply echoing Rush Limbaugh slogan. I HOPE HE FAIL.
    REBUBLICAN IS A PARTY OF FAIRLURE. PRESIDENT OBAMA IS A WINNER.

    March 13, 2009 09:34 am at 9:34 am |
  148. phoenix86

    Den of thieves.

    March 13, 2009 09:46 am at 9:46 am |
  149. Joe, Chicago IL

    I bet Obama is wishing that this is just another incident of tax avasion.

    Change in its raw form.

    March 13, 2009 09:56 am at 9:56 am |
  150. Lu

    And this is why we can't get anything done in Washington....they all spend too much time investigating each other, just to prove one party is better than the other.....blah, blah, blah.....

    March 13, 2009 09:58 am at 9:58 am |
  151. HelloooOOOOO

    Looks to "me" like just nore of the "clean up washington" Pres Obama "said" he was going to do..why dont we all just WAIT and see what developes before making ugly, cutting , hatefilled remarks...

    March 13, 2009 09:58 am at 9:58 am |
  152. Shayne in NH

    Convenient cover story to take the heat away from the RNC and Steele.....VERY interesting timing.....

    March 13, 2009 09:59 am at 9:59 am |
  153. yuri

    Confusions galore in some of BHO cabinet appointments! And still a number of posts are vexatiously vacant for want of valiant vettin'
    processes. We can only hope that the entire cabinet will be filled before year end so the Govt. can go on vacation.

    March 13, 2009 10:02 am at 10:02 am |
  154. anon

    It was interesting to read through the comments last week on all the blame that was placed on President Obama for the stock market falling. By the nutty right wing logic, shouldn't President Obama also be blamed for the stock market now showing gains?

    Just wondering.

    March 13, 2009 10:03 am at 10:03 am |
  155. toby

    Come on people, get involved. Make a call or write your elected officials TODAY. Flood there offices with your dissatifaction. Tell them you're not putting them back in office if whatever bothers you does not change

    March 13, 2009 10:04 am at 10:04 am |
  156. wait before making ugly, cutting , hatefilled remarks

    now that would be reasonable, thoughtful and not much fun

    March 13, 2009 10:05 am at 10:05 am |
  157. HelloooOOOOO

    I would think it was neccessary for him to take "leave" while the FBI combed through all info in that office for indiscretions..He wasnt even implied to be "guilty", his subordinates were, maybe FBI is looking for info left behind from Bushs administration...give it a break folks, we DONT have all the info yet !

    March 13, 2009 10:05 am at 10:05 am |
  158. Independent

    This is a good thing. At least we know that they are making sure that people that fill positions are clean and if not they are out! Unlike the Republicans. That is why the Republicans are all angry about regulations, they wont be able to hide their crooked ways.

    March 13, 2009 10:05 am at 10:05 am |
  159. DP

    @KS Hawk – You made the point perfectly without even realizing it. If the investigation was happening during the Bush administration, why did Obama nominate Kundra for the post? How come this did not come up during the Congressional hearings? Do you think Kundra is the only person qualified for a CIO position?

    March 13, 2009 10:11 am at 10:11 am |
  160. obama-mama

    TC is sitting home waiting for a handout instead of getting of his tail and doing something about his life. President Obama is doing his job. Maybe you should try and do yours

    March 13, 2009 10:11 am at 10:11 am |
  161. rm

    Did any of you Obama bashers even read the article? It said......that Kundra IS NOT involved in the case. Geez, don't be so eager to point fingers. That is why the Republican Party is so disfunctional now!!

    March 13, 2009 10:12 am at 10:12 am |
  162. charlie in maine

    If you set the bar higher not as many will be able to jump over it. I am sure all those in the Bush administration were good enough, but let's face it good enough for that crowd wasn't good enough for America.

    You Obamaphobes out there can keep trying to sell the standards as a negative but the American people aren't buying it.

    March 13, 2009 10:14 am at 10:14 am |