Kerry: Daschle’s Tax Error ‘Innocent’

by Chris Good - 01/31/09 5:06 PM ET

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) dubbed Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee Tom Daschle’s tax error an “innocent” one today, issuing a statement in support of Daschle’s nomination.

“Months ago, Tom personally and proactively addressed the taxes issue and took all necessary steps to correct his innocent error. I

A Finance Committee report obtained by Fox News showed that Daschle paid $140,167 in back taxes and interest while being considered for the post. Until the news surfaced of Daschle’s previous failure to pay, the former Senate majority leader had been expected to sail through his confirmation process.

In his statement, Kerry also expressed confidence in Daschle’s abilities to lead HHS and institute sweeping healthcare reform.

“Tom Daschle has spent nearly three decades serving the public. It is important to put his experience to work during a critical time when our nation