Daschle's Dealings

Tom Daschle’s tax troubles are worrisome, not least of all because, writes The New York Times, “it shows how in just four years an influential former senator was able to make $5 million and live a lavish lifestyle by dint of his name, connections and knowledge of the town’s inner workings.” There’s no evidence that Daschle influenced his former colleagues in the Senate, but he advised businesses on how best to do so, occupying “the gap between the popular understanding and legal definition of a lobbyist.” The Senate Finance Committee, meanwhile, is set to release its investigation of whether one of Mr. Daschle’s clients, Educap, “abused its tax-exempt status by providing lavish entertainment and travel to its officers and their guests, including Mr. Daschle.”