One of California’s wealthiest residents and the owner of a New York toy manufacturer were among the moguls identified by Senate investigators today as allegedly using foreign accounts to avoid paying U.S. taxes.

Veteran politicians and former government staffers have been lobbying Washington for clients seeking tax cuts as part of the economic stimulus package.

During recent weeks, a coalition of hotel, financial services, energy companies and manufacturers pressed lawmakers to include in the package a reduction in the capital gains tax rate.

It would seem that Wesley Snipes has a lot of famous friends.

As the actor’s trial for tax fraud and conspiracy got underway in Ocala, Fla., Monday, his lawyers said that several high-profile people would be called as character witnesses.