Reid steps up criticism of Romney tax returns
J. Scott Applewhite
(CBS News) Refusing to retreat from his allegations that Mitt Romney hasn't paid taxes in 10 years, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Thursday night argued his claim comes from "an extremely credible source," and said he believes the presumptive GOP presidential nominee's personal wealth might be playing a role in helping him evade the law.
"People who make as much money as Mitt Romney have many tricks at their disposal to avoid paying taxes," Reid said in a statement. "Last weekend, Governor Romney promised that he would check his tax returns and let the American people know whether he ever paid a rate lower than 13.9 percent. One day later, his campaign raced to say he had no intention of putting out any further information."
(Watch: Reid's remarks Thursday.)
Romney has released one year of tax returns and an estimate for another, but has come under fire from President Obama's campaign and other Democrats for not returning more, particularly considering the heft of his wealth and hazy investment in offshore accounts. Reid argued "when you're running for president, you should be an open book," and said it's Romney's "obligation to put up, and release, several years' worth of tax returns just like nominees of both parties have done for decades."
Following Reid's initial charge on the Senate floor Thursday, Romney dismissed the majority leader's comments as "baloney" on conservative host Sean Hannity's radio show, advising Reid to "put up or shut up" about the identity of his anonymous source.
(Watch: Romney says he pays "a lot of taxes" every year.)
Some political watchdogs are backing Romney's call for Reid to fess up, citing his accusation as irresponsible hearsay. Others are critical of Reid for not having released his own tax returns; Reid defends himself by arguing the bar for disclosure is higher when you're running for president.But Reid claimed only one way for Romney to dodge further scrutiny on the issue, "and that's release his tax returns," he said. "It's clear Romney is hiding something, and the American people deserve to know what it is."
**CORRECTION: A previous version of this story stated that Romney released two years of tax returns as required by law. He has released one (and one estimate), which is not required of presidential candidates.
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And these Neo-conservatives rely on the belief that the American people are too stupid to suspect anything - and would elect him anyway.
Nice try...
BTW, Owldog.. Romney submitted 10 years of tax returns to Senate in 2007, the debate is just trying to make you look one way, instead of the facts that the tax returns are the ONLY issue the Democrats have.
They can't fight his capability to do the job, or his stance to the issues. Because his record is far more impressive.
Heck, they won't even go after his life before Bain, or his income from time as Governor, since he waived his Governor salary.
Nope, let's try to get your attntion on the fact that he hasn't disclosed something NOT required to disclose...
And not a single Democrat is willing to step up and set the example, except for those that did nothing.
Where is Pelosi's tax return, showing the income from the Insurance underwriters lobbying to protect the Corporate Interests.
If Romney has any expectation of me voting for him, I will have to see their twelve most recent complete federal tax returns.....
If it was adequate for his father, it is adequate for me.
The fact that someone else did, has never been an excuse for disclosure, look at the work it took to get any sign of what looks to be a birth certificate, but has never been proven, since they refuse direct examination by an expert... and we are still waiting for the transcripts.
How about we stay on target, his tax return is as much an issue as the lack of disclosure by Obama... difference being, Romney has more to debate than the tax return... Obama? Guess not.
I am a Vietnam era vet and am starting a small business - the federal government has told me to register for as a vet-owned small business I have to provide them with 3 years of tax info. Hey Romney - you want to be president - quit whining and man-up for once. It looks like you are hiding something
He is not required to provide his life story... Just like Obama isn't required to provide his college transcripts... oh wait, yes he is! Dang...
When I see the liberal shephards turning over tax returns for public scrutiny, I will agree, but until then... man up and move on.
He prob did not pay all his share of taexes or he would show them. He prob got more skeletons in that walk-in closet...i can't wait until that lock is picked.
It's called smoke and mirrors... the liberals are thinking you are too lazy to check the facts, just like Reid thought nobody would call his bluff... too bad he may face criminal liability... guess that is one way to get his to lose his Majority Seat.
Nah. On second thought, better for Mr. Romney not to repeat such a tactic. The Press might actually pay attention this time to the carefully-hidden bully that lurks within Mr. Romney.