When Steve Rattner stepped down as auto czar earlier this week, Tim Geithner said the following: “Steven Rattner, whose leadership and vision were invaluable to the Auto Task Force’s efforts, has decided to transition back to private life and his family in New York City.”

Almost sounds as if he’d been just renting in DC, and that the Big Apple itch became unbearable. Except…

We’ve learned that Rattner bought a $4.35 million home in Washington D.C. just two months ago. Now why would you spend that much money – including more than $1 million up-front – if you weren’t planning a long-term stay? Sure it’s nice to have a summer place, but isn’t that why he’s building one on Martha’s Vineyard?

The answer, if course, is that Geithner was being disingenuous in his statement (although literally correct). Rattner’s resignation was sparked by increased heat from Andrew Cuomo, not from cravings for a slice of Famous Ray’s…

Here’s some more photos, from the listing agent:

Related posts:

  1. Steve Rattner Steps Down, What Next?
  2. Steve Rattner Leaves Quadrangle Group, Effective Immediately
  3. Steve Rattner, Mel Karmazin, Think Facebook is Way Overvalued
  4. Rattner’s Involvement Affects Everyone
  5. Rattner Worth $188 Million

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