Tom Daschle, Obama’s nominee for health secretary, hasn’t paid his taxes to the amount of $128,000.

As this discovery trails the Geithner tax controversy, political spectators are worried that the two incidents together send the wrong message about the new administration: as long as you’re a great guy and good at your job, it’s alright if you don’t follow a fiscal rule or two.

The general sentiment is that it might be best for Mr Daschle (and everyone else) if he withdraws from the contest.

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