GOP Still on Board With Geithner Despite Tax Errors

Timothy Geithner’s tax mistakes are minor compared with how much he could contribute as Treasury secretary, Republican leaders say. “I don’t think we can get a better person for this position,” Senate Finance Committee No. 2 Orrin Hatch told the Washington Post. Geithner’s errors include invalid deductions and failure to pay thousands in taxes while working for the International Monetary Fund.

Geithner’s returns have been corrected, but some back taxes weren’t paid until he got the nod from President-elect Obama. Some Republicans, though, still have reservations. “It’s more a matter of principle than the amount of money,” said Sen. Charles Grassley. But with most of the GOP leadership on board, Geithner is likely to get the green light. (More Timothy Geithner stories.)