Gregg: Qualified Washington leaders cheat on their taxes!

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Geithner Questioned on Tax Returns

WASHINGTON — Timothy F. Geithner, President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Treasury secretary, failed to pay more than $34,000 in federal taxes over several years early this decade, and also faces questions about the employment papers of a former household employee, suddenly complicating what had seemed to be an easy confirmation process in the Senate.

Mr. Geithner, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, huddled privately with members of the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday afternoon to explain that he had now paid the back taxes and interest. Senate Democratic leaders quickly released statements of support lest the controversy threaten the nomination.

Two senior Senate Republicans likewise gave endorsements, echoing the argument of Obama transition officials that Mr. Geithner's failures were innocent mistakes or technicalities.

The money quote from Judd Gregg: "I just find it to be really unfortunate, because here is an extraordinarily qualified guy who we really do want to have in leadership here in Washington."