Treasury Secretary designate Timothy Geithner explained himself to senators after questions were raised about his non-payment of taxes and the immigration status of a former housekeeper.

A closed door session with Geithner comes ahead of public confirmation hearings where senators will question and assess President-elect Barack Obam's pick to lead the Treasury Department.

Senator Max Baucus, who chairs the Finance Committee in the senate, emerged from the meeting supporting Geithner.

We need a Treasury secretary quickly given the dire economic straits we're in, Baucus told reporters after the meeting, according to Bloomberg.

Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs termed the pair of issues 'honest mistakes,' according to Bloomberg.

We hope that the Senate will confirm him with strong bipartisan support so that he can begin the important work of the country, Gibbs said in a statement.

Geithner paid all his income taxes when he was employed with the International Monetary fund but made a mistake on tax returns regarding self-employment taxes, an official told Bloomberg. The mistakes were corrected as soon as Geithner learned of it an aide said.

Geithner also said he was unaware that a housekeeper's immigration papers expired three months before she stopped working for him, on official said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch said he supported Geithner. Sen. Debbie Stabenow said Geithner answered the questions forthrightly.

Hearings for Geithner's confirmation have not been set.