The Right Wing’s Next Target: Hilda Solis?
The Right Wing’s Next Target: Hilda Solis?
Yesterday, President Obama’s nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Daschle, withdrew after it was revealed he failed to pay over $100,000 in taxes. In the wake of Daschle’s departure, the right-wing is gunning for another Cabinet victim — Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA), the nominee for Labor Secretary. The Heritage Foundation writes, “Hilda Solis: The Next Tom Daschle?” Some more examples:
National Review: While everyone is looking at Tom Daschle’s tax problems…a new issue has arisen concerning another Obama cabinet nomination, that of Rep. Hilda Solis to be Secretary of Labor.
The Weekly Standard: A seemingly innocuous letter sent to the Clerk of the House of Representatives last Thursday by President Obama’s Secretary of Labor nominee Hilda Solis raises serious and troubling legal questions about her nomination and apparent violation of House ethics rules.
RedState: [I]f we are lucky we may just see the appointment of this hardcore union shill go down in flames.
According to The Hill, Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) “has questioned whether Solis had done lobbying work while she was both a House member and an official at a pro-labor group, American Rights at Work” (ARW). Solis’ confirmation has been indefinitely delayed, and today Obama nominated Ed Hugler, deputy assistant secretary for operations at the Labor Department, to serve as acting secretary.
As The Wonk Room noted last week, even before these lobbying charges were raised against Solis, Senate Republicans were “burying her in paperwork.” Their real gripe appears to be her support for the Employee Free Choice Act; the New York Times called the delay in her confirmation “a way for Republican senators to score tough-guy points with business constituents who are driven to distraction by the thought of unions.”
And as for the “conflict of interest” that the right wing is highlighting? Solis wasn’t paid for her activities with ARW, and as the Washington Independent pointed out, her role was well-known and ceremonial:
What would be the charge? Either that she participated in lobbying by being a leader with ARW, or that she erred by originally not mentioning this job in her disclosure documents. Two reasons this might not work: Solis’ role in ARW was well-known and ceremonial (it’s on their Website), and no congressman has hinted that he/she would file a complaint that could make a splash but not be deemed frivolous and politically motivated.
Greg Sargent reported recently, “Some top operatives in the labor movement are frustrated with the Obama administration for not giving them the go-ahead to publicly target Republicans who appear to be stalling Solis’ confirmation.” “The anonymous hold on Solis is a clear proxy fight for Employee Free Choice,” said a top operative at a prominent union. “And from the Obama Adminisitration … crickets.”
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Cheney’s statement that nobody had seen the economic crisis coming is not true. There were few economic experts who had predicted the crisis. One of them was the president of the International Institute of Management (IIM, Med Yones. In 2006, he had already forecasted the economic crisis in his US economy Policy White paper.
For more information see http://www.ceoqmagazine.com/2009Q1/economics/useconomicrisis/index.htm
February 4th, 2009 at 3:03 pmObama and Congressional Democrats need to ram the EFCA down the throats of the Rethugs, Chamber of Commerce, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, & others.
What’s good for unions is good for working Americans
February 4th, 2009 at 3:06 pmSeriously, Democrats, can’t you among yourselves put together enough vertegrae to make half a spine?
February 4th, 2009 at 3:13 pmThe democratic majority can prove to the people they’re in control by confirming this great pick. Solis doesn’t have a complicated financial life; she and her husband’s main asset is a $100,000 auto shop.
How is it conceivable for right-wingers to expect a nominee to head up the labor department to not care about labor?
February 4th, 2009 at 3:14 pmHow is it conceivable for right-wingers to expect a nominee to head up the labor department to not care about labor?
Name one nominee in Bush the Simple’s reign where the nominee cared about the department they were in. Too many of them weren’t even in relevant positions before being nominated!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:18 pmI hope some day soon, Obama understands the current crop of GOPers are rabid ideologs that believe compromise is a weakness and will block any meaningful proposals put forward by him. Because of that, Labor groups should act on their own to bring these bozos into the light of day.
So far as Solis is concerned, Obama needs to show some teeth and do a recess appointment over Presidents Day. Get a twofer!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:18 pmLet me know when you’re done trying to get everyone to sing kumbaya, Barack. When you realize that a third of the country and the GOOP don’t like you are are trying desperately to shaft you, I’ll be ready to fight.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:18 pmThe right wingnuts are simply targeting Hilda Solis because they are simply afraid that the former Dept. of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao would be investigated [which I highly recommend that to happen]. Remember Elaine Chao who is Senator Mitch McConnell’s wife? As Secretary of Labor, Chao campaigned for her husband, Sen. Mitch McConnell at taxpayer expense whic hthe GAO report described this as a violation of the 1939 Hatch Act. Also according to the GAO report and the Oversight Committee and Reform, Chao understated the expenses in her department of contracting out its employees’ work to private firms.
Targeting Solis is nothing but political. The wingnuts are afraid of Ms. Solis. Should Solis become confirmed as Dept. of Labor secretary, Ms. Chao needs to be probe for abuse of power as the now former Dept. of Labor Secretary.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:19 pmI used to love to watch Shark Week on the Discovery Channel. The segments about feeding frenzies were fascinating. For about five minutes.
If we are lucky, people will get tired of this one as well.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:22 pmI feel the headline for this post does a disservice linking the Daschele and Solis nominations. Someone who does not pay over $100,000 in taxes is someone who SHOULD be a target. As the post goes on to explain, the Solis nomination is held up by nothing but raw ideology not competence to hold the position.
I’m glad Daschele did not get the position. However, I want Solis as SoL–the arguments are on her side–let’s unleash them!!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:28 pmS1 Says:
Seriously, Democrats, can’t you among yourselves put together enough vertegrae to make half a spine?
Can Republicans squeeze enough morality out of themselves to fill a shot glass?
Nope.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:28 pmmost of us predicted it in 2000 right after bush started cutting taxes for the rich and deregulating industries across the board. 2007 was too late.
by the way, what has that to do with this thead?
February 4th, 2009 at 3:28 pmThe bell for this round just rang and you are already declaring a victor? I say you underestimate our new leadership. Time and patience. there is nowhere to go but up after the last group.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:31 pmRedState: [I]f we are lucky we may just see the appointment of this hardcore union shill go down in flames.
__________________________________________________________
Um…could somebody tell me what’s wrong with having a “hardcore union shill” in this position?
Apparently, support for the EFCA is all it takes to get that label, but even if it was Joe Hill being considered, I fail to see what’s wrong with having somebody on the side of working men and women for a change.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:31 pmmarlow
I read on Huffpo that Obama wants to shaft the the repeal of DADT to yet another study group. Why can’t he simply say that now just isn’t time when the battle over an economic recovery plan and nominees is raging? Sheesh, studies since 1988 have been telling us what we already know! Governance is hard for those who take it seriously, but it’s not required under campaign law that, once elected, one goes back on their word!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:32 pmRepublican senators to score tough-guy points with business constituents who are driven to distraction by the thought of unions.”
But don’t you dare cut the CEOs pay to $500,000, that would be bad.
Fcuk the Republicans.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:32 pmmisshusseinmolly Says:
Apparently, support for the EFCA is all it takes to get that label, but even if it was Joe Hill being considered, I fail to see what’s wrong with having somebody on the side of working men and women for a change.
It’s a kneejerk “unions suck” reaction that requires no evidence; it’s a matter of faith, just like “cut taxes” or “raising the minimum wage destroys businesses.”
February 4th, 2009 at 3:33 pmmhm:
Apparently, support for the EFCA is all it takes to get that label, but even if it was Joe Hill being considered, I fail to see what’s wrong with having somebody on the side of working men and women for a change.
Working men and women don’t make up the top 1% – it basically boils down to that and that alone IMHO.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:35 pmIt’s only being a shill if you support unions and working people, not if you do the bidding for corporations and the Chamber of Commerce. IOKIYAR, remember?
February 4th, 2009 at 3:39 pmRead the Wrecking Crew by Thomas Frank and you will find out that the Republican’s have stuffed all the departments and agencies with corporate honcho’s.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:46 pmas always, it’s party before country with these bozos and that really is the message we should be screaming from the top of our lungs. Case and point, the repuke senator appointed to obama’s cabinet. the RNC pissed and moaned until it was promised a repuke would fill the seat.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:51 pmI hope that the Democrats remember this sometime in the next century when we have another Republican’t President and pull the same crap on them.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:52 pmThey are at will employees…..walking papers are being prepared.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:52 pmMcWars says: How is it conceivable for right-wingers to expect a nominee to head up the labor department to not care about labor?
Answer: See Elaine Cho, chimpy’s Sec of Labor
February 4th, 2009 at 3:53 pmLet’s keep something in perspective.
Yes, the republicans are obstructionist. Yes they are jumping all over Obama’s appointment gaffes, but I’ve seen precious few posts assigning blame where it belongs: With Tommy Daschle.
Like philandering John Edwards almost pulled on the democrats, had he gotten the nomination, Daschle brought his very own timebomb to the Obama celebration. Daschle knew he was going to get nailed and that it would reflect poorly on Obama, yet he presented a nice fat target for the shameless GOP to crow over. Now, all following appointments will be more difficult and bear the taint of Daschle’s embarrassment. I told you Daschle was a self-serving @sshole.
Daschle pulled what no republican had been able to. It’s kinda hard to blame the republicans for jumping all over such low-hanging, lobbyist-scum fruit.
Heckuva job Tommy!
February 4th, 2009 at 3:57 pmFred Says:
They are at will employees…..walking papers are being prepared.
Is this confirmed? Is there a story?
February 4th, 2009 at 3:59 pmWhoop, I forgot to say hello, Fred.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:59 pmWhen they’re saying mabe she’ll be “the next Daschle” what they mean is maybe she’ll be another “win” for them.
In order to teach the R’s a lesson we need to win the fights they pick. They need to start fights, and then we need to beat them down, hard. So, good. Solis strikes me as someone who isn’t going to be a complete pussy and back down, like Daschle.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:12 pmEvery time I turn on the news I hear some right wing blowhard saying the reason their aren’t any unions anymore is the American people don’t believe in and don’t want them.
If that’s the case then the Republicans should just confirm her. Another lie put to the test.
And as for a previous post. I don’t like Daschle either. But what does that have to do with the obstructionism? I simply can’t believe the Dem.’s are the only ones who didn’t pay their taxes. After all, Republicans don’t believe in taxes, except if their for the little guy only.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:16 pmI guess the GOP couldn’t get Solis on not paying her taxes or hiring an illegal nanny, so they’re grasping at straws.
Personally, I think that every time an ethical issue is brought up with an appointee, every accuser should be scrutinized for the same thing. If they pass, they can throw stones. If not, they should resign. It would be interesting to see how many squeaky-clean tax records can be found among the obstructionist mob. And how many of them have paid social security and unemployment taxes on everyone who has so much touched a dust rag in their homes. And how many of them performed unpaid work, ceremonial or not, for advocacy groups.
Yes, I realize this is impractical. But wouldn’t it be cool to see them falling on their own swords?
February 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pmHow is it the Repigs can be so obstructive when they are the minority? And why weren’t the Dems the same way when they were the minority.
This sickens me. More and more the Dems appear to be tools and sell-outs. A smiley-face sticker on the Repig elephant.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pmHey McWars, no link at the moment from where I’m at but these jobs end when the new leadership decides. there are no contracts. They can of course be kept but that was a mistake Jimmy Carter made and this bunch won’t make the same mistake.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pmI hate Republicans.
I really, really do.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:23 pmI am growing more frustrated daily with the repugniscum who are blocking everything and anything they can in order to stymie Obama at every turn. Solis is a proxy for the EFCA and they are holding up her nomination because they oppose the EFCA.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:25 pmWhen they were in power, all they needed was 51 votes to get everything they wanted – Dems somehow need 60 to accomplish anything — how does that work?
Obama has reached out to them countless times in various ways, yet they continue to block him, without any reason than utter partisanship.
Once this stimulus passes – and I hope it is soon and without their beloved tax cuts – I would like to see Obama tell them that since they are proving to be so recalcitrant and partisan, he will have to go on without them.
Fred says this bunch won’t make the same mistake.
Sorry, but they already have, see: Robert Gates- a holdover from chimpy.
February 4th, 2009 at 4:26 pmgates is not a minion, making bad decisions in the background. Labor, commerce, etc. those have new secretaries and they will appoint the people they want to run their departments…….
February 4th, 2009 at 4:30 pmThrow down the tyrants and pull down the aristocrats!
The money is crushing democracy.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:10 pmThis site is a joke. How are democrats not paying taxes, participating in pay for play, harboring illegal immigrants, pardoning terrorists and fugitives, a treasury secretary that doesn’t know how to use Turbo Tax, not paying a four-year-old lien on your home, etc., a republican issue? These are clearly issues that the obama administration should have caught during the vetting process. This is what happens when you have unprofessional, narcissistic, egotistical, power hungry children running the white house. Geez, you people are delusional. Even obama admits he “screwed up”. Also, per joe “gaffetastic” biden, these democrats are unpatriotic since it’s patriotic to pay your taxes. Liberal hypocrisy is limitless.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:44 pm38.txag92 Says: This is what happens when you have unprofessional, narcissistic, egotistical, power hungry children running the white house.
You’re confused..they left on January 20th.
When Obama matches bush’s body count, then you can flap your gums about anyone else being, “unprofessional, narcissistic, egotistical, power hungry children.”
Obama screwed up, but bush is a murdering war criminal whose entire administration epitomizes “unprofessional, narcissistic, egotistical, power hungry children.”
Amateurs like you shouldn’t bandy adjectives so carelessly…
Speaking of “unprofessional, narcissistic, egotistical, power hungry children,” remember the 109th Republican Romper Room that only wanted to work 3 days a week?
Buy a clue, txag92.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:02 pmOK. It is time for Larry Flynt to start taking out some of these Repubs who have taken to acting so pearly white! It should be like shooting fish in a barrel, Larry Craig style.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:05 pmHow are democrats not paying taxes
Blue states pay more in taxes than red states.
, participating in pay for play,
Rod Blagojevich and George Ryan aren’t one and the same.
harboring illegal immigrants, pardoning terrorists and fugitives,
Yet another round of sweeping broad generalities. Say, what’s Orlando Bosch up to these days?
a treasury secretary that doesn’t know how to use Turbo Tax,
He didn’t say he didn’t know how to use TurboTax. Software is only as good as your input.
not paying a four-year-old lien on your home, etc.
You should know that the $900 lien was resolved and Killefer withdrew her candidacy from a position that didn’t even require confirmation. What part of r-e-s-o-l-v-e-d do you not understand? Is cherry picking every problem and solution to regain power all the GOP has going for ‘em?
This is what happens when you have unprofessional, narcissistic, egotistical, power hungry children running the white house.
I agree. The book on George Bush’s presidency, titled “What not to do”, is a hefty read.
Geez, you people are delusional. Even obama admits he “screwed up”.
Yes, what a leader should do, a leader who happens to be a democratic. Just where do you get to take credit, you rethug with a rap sheet?
Also, per joe “gaffetastic” biden, these democrats are unpatriotic since it’s patriotic to pay your taxes. Liberal hypocrisy is limitless.
That’s all they have on him. A former chairman of two major committees in the senate and currently president of the united states senate and that’s all they have on him. I suppose god makes republicans specially w/o personal weakness or faults. No well-intention human being with his/her share of faults should succeed in god’s mind, apparently. Did I mention the George W. Bush handbook on “What not to do”?
Finally, 2/3 of corporations don’t pay any taxes. And what do they want? Taxes they don’t pay. With no strings attached. All while the average taxpayer suffers. That’s patriotic.
The joke’s on you, wingnut. Thank you for vising ThinkProgress.org.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:09 pmWhat on earth have the repugs done? Can’t the Obama team put together a cabinet that isn’t a mess? This is starting to worry me greatly and blaming repugs diffuses the real problem. The Obama team is screwing the pooch right off the bat.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:14 pmBTW, McWars, NO businesses pay taxes, the buying public do. As a successful businessman I can implode the tax payment by corporations lie of the repugs. I have to pass it along to my clients or go out of business. Since my competitors pass it along, I feel obliged to do the same.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:17 pmtxag92 Says
I know it’s hard — after 8 years of being brainwashed by a lying, corrupt cabal of criminals who would never admit their myriad errors — to find yourself with a president who accepts responsibility because he’s the guy at the top, even though it was not directly his error.
Bush&Co have undoubtedly left their mark on you — but with a little effort, I hope you can recover from the damage they inflicted.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:34 pmAll Mrs. Solis has to say is she will not ask for an investigation into the 8 year crime wave done by former Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao wife of Mitch McConnell and she will get confirmed. Elaine Chao discriminated and fired minorities but the crime that will put her in jail is she violated the Hatch Act. Mitch will sell his soul to save his wife, well what little of a soul he has left. He sold most of it for the votes he gave Wall Street/Banks.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:55 pmProud says… Oh it doesn’t matter. It is just another load of low-grade fertilizer. More importantly, rearranging the letters of the troll’s name one comes up with droup. Doesn’t mean much but makes more sense then the troll’s drivel.
February 4th, 2009 at 7:02 pmProudMoron Says:
No she isnt you are a liar and a fool and an ignorant brainwashed dittobot moron
February 4th, 2009 at 8:41 pmThese bastards are making me sick. When can we finally drive every last one of them out of our government?
February 4th, 2009 at 10:49 pmMcWars Says:
How is it conceivable for right-wingers to expect a nominee to head up the labor department to not care about labor?
It’s conceivable because those same right-wingers expect an Attorney General not to care about justice; they expect the EPA not to preserve the environment; they expect economic incentive to mean more breaks for the filthy rich; they expect Health, Education, and Welfare not to give anything more than lip-service to health, education, or welfare; they expect the Constitution to flex at their whims; they expect separation of church and state to mean that “faith-based initiatives” should replace governmental programs designed to help the needy. . . you get the picture.
You’re right: no RATIONAL person could possibly expect what repugs seem to expect. But who said they were rational?
February 5th, 2009 at 12:13 ammarlow Says:
Let me know when you’re done trying to get everyone to sing kumbaya, Barack. When you realize that a third of the country and the GOOP don’t like you and are trying desperately to shaft you, I’ll be ready to fight.
Or p’raps WE THE PEOPLE could be proactive rather than reactive? Offer support for what the President has accomplished in 15 days instead of lashing out at him for what he hasn’t done yet? Show our approval of the steps he has ALREADY taken to undo BushCo’s damage?
February 5th, 2009 at 12:16 ammisshusseinmolly Says: But wouldn’t it be cool to see them falling on their own swords?
One problem only: falling on one’s sword is an act of HONOR. Having honor implies having NON-self-centered values.
Yet there is still considerable satisfaction in watching them s**t and fall back in it, as we used to say in Aggieland. . . .
February 5th, 2009 at 12:25 amMarie says: Obama has reached out to them countless times in various ways, yet they continue to block him, without any reason than utter partisanship.
Actually, there ARE reasons other than partisanship that they continue to block President Obama: sour grapes, prolonged temper tantrums, amoral value system, pettiness, spite, racism, and general, greed, and fairly ecumenical misanthropy–unless, of course, one is among “the chosen”: repugs.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:29 amtxag92 Says:
This site is a joke. How are democrats not paying taxes, participating in pay for play, harboring illegal immigrants, pardoning terrorists and fugitives, a treasury secretary that doesn’t know how to use Turbo Tax, not paying a four-year-old lien on your home, etc., a republican issue? These are clearly issues that the obama administration should have caught during the vetting process. This is what happens when you have unprofessional, narcissistic, egotistical, power hungry children running the white house. Geez, you people are delusional. Even obama admits he “screwed up”. Also, per joe “gaffetastic” biden, these democrats are unpatriotic since it’s patriotic to pay your taxes. Liberal hypocrisy is limitless.
Your outlook is a bigger joke.
President Obama has been in office two weeks and one day. What in the hell do you think ANYONE can do in 2 weeks and 1 day? If it’s “unpatriotic” not to pay one’s taxes, how unpatriotic is the multi-billion dollar chunk of OUR taxes that is being wasted on an illegal and unnecessary war and on bailing out the businesses which have foundered because of repug policies?
If you don’t like what we “hypocritical liberals” are posting, take your dollies and go home. We won’t miss you.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:35 amhanshiro–You nailed it, my friend.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:37 amMcWars–most EXCELLENT line-by-line debunking. The joke IS on the wingnut–and on all of his fellow psychotics.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:39 amMarie says: Bush&Co have undoubtedly left their mark on you — but with a little effort, I hope you can recover from the damage they inflicted.
Hey, Marie [and other interested parties]–how ’bout we start a support group for recovering Republicans? We could use a 12-step approach, but we’d have to cut it to only 10 steps. If they had to count past 10, we might not like what they use after they’ve run out of fingers. . .
February 5th, 2009 at 12:43 amProud Says:
Solis is as dirty as the rest of them, another nominee will bite the dust. Obama the clown is running a great show so far very impressive. By the way looks like Panetta may be out also, great article in the WSJ today.
All together now: “Say it loud–’I'm dumb and proud!’”
February 5th, 2009 at 12:46 amdrive by troll Says:
We already get it. You are stupid. YOu are a moron. You have been brainwashed. What is it about this site that brings out the stupidest people on the planet to try to annoy us because they are too ignorant to even TRY to discuss the topic?
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