Housekeeper and taxes derailed Kennedy appointment: NY Times
By SilentPatriot Thursday Jan 22, 2009 1:33pm
According to today's New York Times, Caroline Kennedy withdrew her name from consideration for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat because of an issue involving taxes and her undocumented housekeeper.
NYT:
Problems involving taxes and a household employee surfaced during the vetting of Caroline Kennedy and derailed her candidacy for the Senate, a person close to Gov. David A. Paterson said on Thursday, in an account at odds with Ms. Kennedy’s own description of her reasons for withdrawing.
The account emerged 14 hours after Ms. Kennedy announced that she was taking her name out of contention for the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, and as Mr. Paterson, according to two Democrats told of his thinking, was leaning toward selecting Representative Kirsten E. Gillibrand, an upstate lawmaker in her second term in Congress.
Patterson's staff is now dumping on Kennedy, Check out this tidbit:
Hard feelings toward Ms. Kennedy were clearly building among the governor’s staff on Thursday, after a dramatic evening in which she was reported to be dropping out, then wavering, then ultimately, shortly after midnight on Thursday, issuing a statement ending her candidacy.
The person close to the governor said Mr. Paterson “never had any intention of picking Kennedy” because he had come to consider her unready for the job. The person did not describe the exact nature or seriousness of the tax and household employee issues.
Ouch. Being a New Yorker myself, I've been following this potential appointment closely. Looks now like Kirsten Gillibrand is gonna get it. Wish I knew more about her. Looks like Uncle Ted is rather ticked about how the whole thing unfolded.
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But, that doesn't mean she's ready to be a Senator.
I am kind of glad she is out of it. If the Repugs had pulled something like this we would have been all over them.
... are for little people.
So is doing your own laundry, apparently.
I'm surpised her bid for the Senate got THIS far off the ground. Nothing against her, personally, but the American talent pool is not so shallow that we have to keep going back to the same three families (Bush, Clinton, and Kennedy) over and over again to get our leaders. If we're going to start having royal families in the United States, who are born to rule, I'm going to go to Boston, UP-END the first ship I find that's carrying tea, and start another revolution.
that was first popularized by Senator Dole.
There are two, count 'em, two Clintons with political experience. That does not make a dynasty like the Kennedy or Bush clans.
isn't old enough or wealthy enough yet. Give her time and she'll be in there too.
Two is one too many. But thanks for the correction, since I should have added the DOLES to that list.
a dynasty, if all you've ever done in your life is politics? Isn't that like getting paid to do very little?
And YOU should be concerned, too, given that Justin Trudeau is now a member of parliament, and Jean Chretien's deadbeat son was the Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. If I were you I'd lock Ben Mulroney up someplace before he gets any ideas.
Of course, it's not really political dynasties that are the problem. It's the cult of celebrity that's the problem. Children and spouses of famous politicians are only getting elected to office because of the fame factor, which applies equally well to famous actors. The fact that dumbass actors are getting elected to public office left right and center is also a disgrace.
I'm impressed Pericles, and yes the idea of another Trudeau or Chretien in politics disgusts me. And Ben Mulroney? Gag. His old man had to leave politics before somebody made him. To this day he is still one of the most hated politicians in my area, and that says something cuz my area always votes majority conservative.
I take it you weren't impressed with Raygun or AHnold? LOL.
Nope. Wasn't a big fan of Sonny Bono, either. Didn't like it when Warren Beatty started making noises about running against the Governator on the Democratic ticket. I could get clobbered for saying it around here, but I'm not a big fan of Al Franken going from comedian to Senator, but, regardless of political experience, his state has a habit of picking better than expected novices. I give Jesse Ventura and Al Franken a pass on that one.
And last but not least, I don't know WHY California didn't elect Garry Coleman when he was running for Governor! He leaves a much smaller carbon footprint than Arnie!
Not bad! Must have been discriminated against cuz of his size! I can imagine the debates would be classic though.
"whatchu talkin' 'bout?"
"down here, I'm down here!"
we've always had real relatives of the royals in our "leadership."
Check some of the genealogy charts available on line - Obama and Bush are cousins (something like 9th removed) and Cheney's in there, too.
Gillibrand is a Blue Dog Democrat, and a gun nut. Opposed to all forms of gun control. Used to be an attourney for HUD. Aside from the gun fetish, she's not a bad choice.
should be called "a gun fetish."
She no pay taxes and has illegal immigrants doing her housework?
she was not paying taxes. The exact nature of the one unnamed source's concerns about "tax" issues was not stated.
I am amused however that failure to check the immigration credentials of your maid (if that's what this was) has become the third rail of political appointments.
there seem to be many rich political families with question marks beside their names. About time somebody decided to actually look at their affairs a bit.
I know it says very little about the reasons, but what other tax reason would there be? Evasion?
then I agree with your first statement.
Regarding your second point, tax law is very complex. There are almost innumerable possible tax issues which fall far short of evasion.
thinking about it in a partisan way Bob. I look at it like, politicians vs the people. Because it all boils down to the people, and then all the politicians with all the real money.
...these families got to be rich!!??! They pay as little tax as possible, and they pay household employees (servants) under the table - as little as possible.
Disappointed and surprised . Too , candidates must be VERY clean these days . Despite all , I remain a fervent admirer of her father ( NOT mother . . . ) and thought she could do much good . Still think so . Was question of will she ? But all may , with this now - be dead .
was a very good mother to her 2 children. While she was in the White House she remained a perfect lady despite the constant sexual shenanigans of JFK.
Before he died, John John wrote a very moving piece about his mother. I will try to find the article and link it.
After JFK's and Onasis' death, she had a nice career in a publishing house. Her choice to marry Onasis was not a good one but then, I don't know what I would do given the opportunity.
And Onassis had the money to protect them.
Yes, and he did.
I thought it was just because the ugly mafia tycoon had so much money
If Gillibrand is getting it. She's my rep, and if nothing else she beat out sleazy John sweeney. It's an accomplishment for a Dem to win in this district in any case. She's intelligent, seems to work hard at the job and is very accessible. She hold frequent town meetings. Supporting gun rights is kind of a given in northern NY for a pol.
Sweet Caroline was well-educated, an attorney and writer who never sought the limelight and seemed to handle herself well when she did publicity for her books -- until now. She might have done an excellent job of carrying forth her family's record of helping the less fortunate, but alas. Not paying taxes and hiring illegals are deal breakers. You would think an attorney would know this.
, of course, have servants and can be rather "informal" about taxes and other trivia.
is this where I add the "snark" apellation? i'm an appalachian....
:D
Thank-you.
Gillibrand is not a great choice for 2 reasons--she's a blue dog and her seat is likely to go Republican.
I've posted many comments over the past several weeks about why I was not happy with the idea of Caroline Kennedy as being appointed senator, and I got vitriolic responses, and from this site too. I was perplexed. To me it seemed like celebrity worship of the oddest kind. What was ever good about the idea of her political debut being as NY Senator? Because she's a Kennedy? Has deep pockets? Raised money for charter schools?... which is hardly progressive in my book. I was always amazed that I would be scolded that she was terribly qualified because she was a lawyer, had written two rather unimportant, unimpressive books, and... what? How did anyone ever get excited about this or take it seriously?
You were surprised that you were "scolded" for your biased perspective? Really? Just what did you expect when you advocate the idea that the Kennedys were royalty with an entitlement mentality? Instant adulation and total agreement? If you don't like criticism, then don't advocate controversial viewpoints.
Caroline Kennedy is hardly perfect but has seen more tragedy and sorrow in her lifetime than most would in ten. And perhaps you should consider the redemptive things she and her family has done to lift our nation up. Would that be so hard for you to do--give people genuine credit for their hard work and accomplishment?
Progressives rebuild what negative critics like you tear down. You seem to have a lot of time to tear down Caroline Kennedy and her family's accomplishments but no time to remember their positive contribution to our national well being. Spare us your bias, please.
Will we allow the nefarious 'servants' keep our elite from achieving ever greater levels of eliteness?! Maybe this why republicans are so upset about illegal immigrants. No telling how many viable republican candidate they could field if they weren't constantly being undone by their wily staff!
if working people would run for office.
I would, but I have used herbal medicines ten years ago for pain relief.
That would be my first headline.
Oh well. It worked pretty well, too!
.
I used it to supplement conventional meds.
The pot synergized the effects of the pain medication.
No wonder the Pharma corps. oppose pot legalization. It works and it grows in the backyard!
My unapologetic love for marijuana and free internet porn would torpedo my chances for elected office.
Which is a shame because I bet I have a HUGE constituency.
a true "grass"roots campaign!!
I can never get the paperwork filled out properly.
*_*...
Jane Hamsher over at Firedoglake is hammering Caroline Kennedy again. "Hey Marcus cue the suicide watch" Realy in bad taste(I am unable to link the article) Jane is getting some lip from some of her usual devotees for her over the top and out of line criticisms of Kennedy. I honor most of Jane's efforts but the criticisms of Caroline Kennedy by Jane have been below the belt.
It is perfectly acceptable to criticize Kennedy for her lack of experience and using family connections. But to claim that folks with money do not suffer or are "Princesses". Chris all mighty Jane this woman lost her father, her brother, her uncle etc etc. Millions, Billions can not replace these people. Get a grip Jane
Jane has demonstrated an inability to take legitimate criticisms. Too bad. She needs to watch the movie "Reds" again
Of some serious feelings going on about Kennedy for this seat, and I have to wonder why? WShe wanted it, she asked for it, she would be appointed it or not, then she changed her mind. Whats the bfd?
she lost relatives doesn't entitle her to any political posts Kathleen. Does that mean people who have lost their sons or daughters in Iraq, should all become politicians?
I agree. But Jane Hamsher has painted Caroline Kennedy as a spoiled little "princess" without any brains or pain in her life.
Criticize her ability to hold the office...Jane went all girl bitch on Caroline unnecessarily. Some odd comments out of Jane about Caroline. Many folks noticed
check that out. Thanks for the info!
If anybody cares, HERE ARE MY NOMINATIONS for the next SENATOR FROM THE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK!
1. Paul Krugman , Nobel Lauriate in Economics.
or,
2. Brooke Ellison, graduate in Neuroscience from Harvard, Masters in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government, and famous champion of stem cell research and rights for the disabled.
How bout Bill Clinton?
Sure, what the hell.
(Actually, just to contrast what I said above, I DO think ex-presidents should run for the Senate! There's no f-ing LAW that says that after a president's term is up he has to be punished by spending the rest of his life either playing golf, or doing the rubber chicken speaking tour. That's a waste of people who have a lot of practical experience in government.)
The logic of that face-saving excuse was lacking from the get-go. Was she supposedly concerned that becoming a Senator would give her brain cancer? Obviously, there's no evidence to support that. Did she supposedly want to spend more time with Ted? Caroline lives in the New York area. Ted lives in the DC area. She'd get to spend more time with him more easily if she became a Senator than if she did not.
Well, she could hardly have said she was stepping down to "spend more time with her family," given that she hasn't actually DONE anything yet.
Taxes. How pathetic is that? She could have at LEAST gone out with a "bang" like Spitzer! (As in, caught on a department store security camera having a three way with Shannen Doherty and Vern Troyer in a changing booth.)
After listening to her speak I completely felt she was not Senator Material. I love the kennedy"s but she just didn't have IT.
To let herself be put into contention for the spot if she had done this in the past.
I'm glad she was found out. She doesn't have it to do the job, if she has been pulling this shit.
I mean just how stupid does she think the media is ?
I know their not all that smart. But when it comes to Dem's , they go out of their way to find dirt.
She should have never let her name be thrown in the hat.
Simple as that. And I was for her being nominated. I'm glad this came out. It would have been disgraceful for the Dem party. And it would have given the right ammo to start their bullshit.
I'm ticked off at her for even considering the job now.
What is it with the rich? They need to get some kind of a deal on a house keeper?
Now, there is one weird stipulation here.
She could have thought that this person was paying their own taxes.
I pay my own. I'm self employed. But I have a feelin that's not the case here.
Buh Bye Caroline. You should have never gone there..
Now you're screwed.
I wonder what she payed this person.
You would think that this person would have med benefits and the whole shibang working for a wealthy family. Especially the Kennedy's.
That's the best picture you could find? I have trouble believing this.
*
but at least it wasn't the worst.
He is a fighter. He was all over the news as recently as this morning for this seat. I want to see a Cuomo in the senate...not another dime a dozen bluedog sack of shit.
Ted hides his money in foundations so he doesn't have to pay taxes.
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