The reason why Geithner is getting a relatively free pass on the
Capitol so far is that he's a Democratic nominee who is viewed by
Republicans as a solid, business-friendly Treasury Secretary who
is the best they can expect to do under Obama. But if Republicans
let the nomination sail through without a fight, they wouldn't be
performing their duty as an opposition party, and would be
setting a bad precedent that could potentially come back to haunt
them when trying to oppose future nominees. Though I suppose if
Republicans ever return to power and nominate a tax cheat,
they'll be able to say too Democrats, "Hey, we confirmed your tax
cheat without much fuss."