Tom Daschle, President Obama's original nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has withdrawn his name from consideration, the president acknowledged today.

The former Senator had paid more than $100,000 in back taxes this month to clear up a liability owed for a car and driver provided by a consulting client, the New York Times reported. The value of such services are taxable and the delay in payment was acknowledged as a mistake by Daschle. In addition to the tax matter, Daschle's close ties to industry were cited as a possible road block to his confirmation to the DHHS post, which includes FDA.

Daschle was designated not just for DHHS but to serve as a White House policy advisor on health care, a position thought to demonstrate the new administration's commitment to expanding health care delivery to uninsured Americans. Daschle will not serve in this policy role either, despite the fact that such a position does not require congressional confirmation.
President Obama's choice for Treasury Secretary, Timothy F. Geithner, also paid back taxes after learning of his cabinet designation. Geithner has been confirmed and will oversee the IRS, among other agencies and offices.

Meanwhile, the FDA commissioner designate was expected to be announced soon. It's unclear whether the delay in the DHHS post will impact that appointment.

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