What a sad day when we’re so used to the president’s nominees not following tax law that we’re numb to new cases. Oh, and Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, doesn’t see this as a problem.

Kirk routinely gave any speaking fees he earned to Austin College, the committee said, and did not list them on his tax returns.

Instead, the committee said he should have listed the fees as income, then claimed them as charitable donations. The estimated effect was to reduce Kirk’s tax bill by an estimated $5,800, according to the report.

Kirk also deducted more than $17,000 as entertainment expenses for the cost of Mavericks’ tickets. The committee said he substantiated about $9,900 of that amount, and will owe about $2,600 in taxes on the balance.

Will Kirk get through or end up dropping out? As Allahpundit points out, Obama’s nominees with tax issues are batting 50/50. Will he be a Daschle or a Geithner? I’m going for the latter. People have become numb to these controversies and Baucus will do his best to push him through.

Exit questions: Does Obama actually have a vetting team? Do they not know by now that tax issues might be a problem amongst his nominees?