Is Norm's Pal Jeff a Tax Cheat?

And if he was, would it surprise anyone? Now, some people are going to wonder why the ol’ Twoputter might suggest such a thing, so I’ll say this right now: the online D.C. Property Tax Records indicates that Norm Coleman’s crash pad has the “Homestead” tax classification. But, wait – didn’t ol’ Smokescreen claim he’s renting the basement? And didn’t Larson claim he was renting out the top? So how exactly does this property qualify for a Homestead Exemption? Let’s look!!!

I noticed this “homestead” issue, because my pal Michael Brodkorb was makin’ a big fuss defendin' ol' Smokescreen over on his “Family Values” website (which is noted for it’s genteel language and high decorum, but I digress). Folks, when rightwingers are raisin' a fuss, it gets me curious; perks my interest about what they're NOT fussin' about. Now, I say “flop-house”, because the way rightwingers describe Coleman’s flop-house, I picture damned near a dungeon. Why, to put ol’ Smokescreen’s crash pad in context, Michael links to a story about some Democratic D.C. Denizens, that occasionally have to kill mice. Also, I noted that while ol’ Smokescreen admitted to renting the basement, Michael posted that Coleman only rents the bedroom. Hey – I guess Landlord Larson just tosses in the rest of the use of the basement - you know, "on teh house"? And, what a basement! Let’s look at what the realtor had to say about this house and basement, in this (almost) Million Dollar Home:

A rare opportunity on one of Capitol Hill’s most historic Grand Avenues, mere steps from the U.S. Capitol, the DNC, the RNC and the House office buildings, this classic bay front beauty combines sweeping entertaining space with truly exceptional family living!

An enormous living room gracefully flows into the banquet-sized dining room, both dazzled with sunshine and warmed by heart pine floors, fabulous custom moldings, and a stunning wood burning fireplace.

The chef’s kitchen, a caterer’s dream with its sleek stainless alliances and acres of counter, strolls out to a delightful back porch, a deep private garden, and that ultimate Capitol Hill amenity, a GARAGE!

Upstairs, the delicious master suite features a custom Italian marble bath, and two additional bedrooms (one with a private porch) and second bath are off a sky lit gallery-style hallway, beautifully lit with alabaster fixtures.

Downstairs, a huge English basement with a media center, office space, gorgeous custom marble and oak bar plus an airy guest bedroom and bath. (A C of O allows you the flexibility of an income unit).

Simply divine!(Coldwell Banker Realty)

I’d like to discuss for a second, this: (A C of O allows you the flexibility of an income unit)

Folks, a “C of O” in real estate, is “Certificate of Occupancy”, and what the realtor said is that the basement is set up to be a separate rental unit. And that’s what it’s being used for, right now, by Senator Smokescreen. What we have here is ol’ Smokescreen is renting a basement that is set up and licensed to rent.

Now, let’s take a quick look at ol’ Smokescreen’s landlord, Jeff “Landlord” Larson. What does Landlord Larson have to say about his use of his W.D.C. flop-house? From The National Journal:

Larson said he intended to use the town house as a place for him and other FLS officials and employees to stay when they were in Washington. In the past, he said, he had found it difficult to book a hotel room when he visited Washington to consult with his Republican clients, including the RNC. "After I looked at what our company paid for hotel rooms, how hard it is to get a room in D.C.," Larson said, " I said, 'I ought to just buy a place--people who work for us will have a place to stay.' "

As it turned out, he said, he decided to rent a portion of the basement apartment to Coleman and the top two floors to Rich Beeson, an FLS Connect partner who is on an unpaid leave of absence while serving as the RNC's political director. Both Larson and Beeson declined to say how much rent Beeson and his family are paying, except to say that it was "fair market value."

OK, that’s cool; everybody knows it’s a pain to get a room, especially when you’re loaded, so that's why you bought it. And things changed, so now you're renting the top half to one buddy, and the basement to another. No problem there. But: why are you taking the Homestead Exemption, Mr. Larson?

The following e-mail was sent to Landlord Larson’s office (a more specific voice message was also left):

"I am a blogger for the website MnBlue.com and have a question regarding the rental property Mr. Jeff Larson owns in Washington, DC.

I can be reached at (phone number and e-mail address)."

I also talked to the fine folk at the District of Columbia’s Real Property Services about this. I asked them how a property with two separate and distinct renters and an out-of-town owner could qualify for the Homestead Exemption?

“Ummm, Mr. TwoPutt, could you give us the property address and particulars?”

“Ummm, no problemo!!!”

So, we’ll see where this goes. A complaint has been filed with the District of Coumbia’s Auditors, and an e-mail and voice mail sent to Jeff “Landlord” Larson.

Stay tuned!!!