Clinton Won't Release Tax Returns Soon

Says She'll Wait Until Democratic Nomination Is In Hand At Filing Time

(AP)  Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton says she won't release her tax returns until she has the Democratic presidential nomination in hand, and not before tax filing time comes in mid-April.

Clinton argued for openness Tuesday night during her latest debate with Democratic rival Barack Obama.

"I will release my tax returns," Clinton said during the debate. "I have consistently said I will do that once I become the nominee, or even earlier."

Pressed about the timing of releasing her tax returns, campaign aides were more reticent Wednesday, indicating that Clinton would not release the sensitive financial data during a hotly contested primary, but only at tax filing time.

"As is customary, as the Democratic nominee Senator Clinton will release her tax information in April at tax time," said spokesman Jay Carson.

It is conceivable that the Democratic contest would still be competitive on April 15, the tax filing deadline. Obama has built a slight edge in delegates earned during the primary season, and the two rivals are headed for big tests Tuesday in Ohio and Texas that could reshape the race.

Obama released his tax returns last year and in 2006.

Clinton's financial status has received increased attention since her husband left the White House. Former President Clinton has authored best-selling books - as has she - and he has become a highly paid member of the lecture circuit. That's left them comfortably fixed, a financial status which Clinton often refers to on the campaign trail.

During the latest campaign debate, Clinton bragged about her financial independence, saying her campaign is financed by the thousands of small donors who back her effort.

"The American people who support me are bankrolling this campaign," said Clinton, who was campaigning Wednesday in Ohio.

[eddynewhope]

Yeah - that''s just nuts that Hillary is refusing to release her tax returns - If for no other reason than to make it clear that the $5 mil she loaned her own campaign was actually hers and not a "loan" from a lobbyist of other special interests. Reminiscent of Cheney''s way of doing business.

[croft777]

For all you Hillary Clinton Supporters.

There is a company who is selling Anti- Hillary t-shirts and clothing. These t-shirts are disgraceful, and sexist. I have boycotted this company, and I would believe you would want to also.They are bashing a very respected woman. The number is 1-877-809-1659. This company is making lots of money advertising and selling these products. It only takes a call to tell them you are boycotting them. This will serve them a lesson.

[croft777]

For all you Hillary Clinton Supporters.

There is a company who is selling Anti- Hillary t-shirts and clothing. These t-shirts are disgraceful, and sexist. I have boycotted this company, and I would believe you would want to also.They are bashing a very respected woman. The number is 1-877-809-1659. This company is making lots of money advertising and selling these products. It only takes a call to tell them you are boycotting them. This will serve them a lesson.

[rowdytexan2]

Good for HIllary! Obama knows he''ll find something on her tax records to accuse her of that might be totally legitimate. But then she''ll have to spend campaign time defending it, instead of concentrating on real issues. He''ll do anything to right or wrong to discredit her. Screw him!

Go Hillary!!!!

[craigh9]

"I DID NOT HAVE TAX WITH THAT MAN - UNCLE SAM"

[craigh9]

She actually lied on national tv when she said she would release her tax filings soon - I''m shocked

[torch1000us1]

Yeah your right Clinton did his best work if the Whitehouse. Just ask Monica.

[croft777]

She''''s not going to get the nomination, therefore she''''ll never release them. Is she hiding something? Of course. Do you think we''''re stupid? ontheleft

Well if your voting for Obama you are.

[croft777]

Hillary wont release her tax records and she wont release documents of her record of activity as first lady. Does anybody really believe that she wouldnt have released these documents in an instant if they contained anything good (i.e., anything that might help her crumbling campaign)?

Ofcourse she would release them. But she knows that there is negative information in those records (that the people wont like).

America needs a clean slate and something new.
Mike Denhof, PhD

I can understand why she is not doing it at this time, not that shes hiding anything. The problem is she knows how those certain people are who have tried long and hard, have spent millions of dollars trying to find dirt on the Clintons and never did, they are the ones who go on the witch hunt. What I have seen in this campaign is nothing more then sexist bashing on Hillary from the media and elsewhere. They would try and stir up false accusations about her records, thats how dirty they are. I think people have selective memory when it comes to this. They also have selective memory when it comes to Bill Clintons time in Office. I thought those days were great, and I have complete faith in Hillary.

[ontheleft]

She''s not going to get the nomination, therefore she''ll never release them. Is she hiding something? Of course. Do you think we''re stupid?