* ILGOP…
Pritzker and Kennedy Continue to Dodge on Releasing Their Tax Returns
Tuesday’s forum highlighted growing pressure on Pritzker and Kennedy to honor their word, release tax returns
Tuesday’s Democrat gubernatorial forum at Aurora University raised questions for the two candidates who have yet to release their tax returns, J.B. Pritzker and Chris Kennedy, drawing criticism from fellow Democrats.
Both Pritzker and Kennedy pledged to release five-year’s worth of tax returns six months ago, though neither has followed through yet. Daniel Biss set up a counter on his campaign website to mark the days since the candidates made the pledge to release their tax returns, as well as lambasting them publicly for avoiding the subject.
The candidates provided no details on a timetable for releasing their taxes other than saying they will be released “soon,” the same answer each has been telling the media for months.
While the Democrats debate who comes from a wealthier family and dodge on releasing their tax returns, they continue to prove that the Democratic gubernatorial primary is a race to the bottom.
* Background from the Sun-Times…
Speaking after the forum, Pritzker told the Sun-Times he plans to release his tax returns “soon.”
“We’re compiling them and we’re putting them together. We’ll make sure we get them out soon,” Pritzker said. Asked why they haven’t been released yet, Pritzker called the process “complex.”
Kennedy too said he’ll release his tax returns when he files his financial disclosure form: “That way everything is together in one place.” He said the state’s financial disclosure form is limited and it’s helpful for voters to see tax returns “to give a little fuller picture of what’s going on.”
* WTTW…
Candidates are under no obligation to release their tax information, though it is customary. Forms help to discern potential conflicts of interest, fiscal management, as well as a candidate’s priorities through charitable giving.
Elected officials are obligated to file public economic interest statements, though watchdog groups have long criticized Illinois’ disclosure requirement and forms as weak and riddled with opportunities for loopholes.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 3:49 pm:
This is all probably just bait from Pritzker and Kennedy. When they release their returns, there will be a big Trump jab about not releasing returns and will make the ILGOP look like a bunch of overly partisan fools (not that they need the help). My assumption (and it could very well be wrong) is that they wouldn’t even bother running if their tax returns were going to be a big campaign problem.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 3:53 pm:
Keeping out of this Dem family squabble would probably be smart, ILGOP.
- Anon0091 - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:07 pm:
These guys are really amazing. Is it a short-term memory disease or do they distribute something in the water at ILGOP to make you forget everything you or your party has ever said? Wow. Just wow.
BTW, I fail to understand why this is so hard to understand. Wealthy people (and often not wealthy people) rarely file their returns on 4/15. Usually they file on 10/15 (10/16 this year). So figure someone like Pritzker or Kennedy will need a couple of weeks to organize the returns after they file before releasing.
This is not GOP President Donald Trump lying about an audit. It’s just process.
- Juice - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:10 pm:
Give me a break. The Illinois GOP supports a candidate for Governor who has refused to release his full returns beyond the front pages which provide nothing more than “hey, look at me! I’m rich” and supported a candidate for President who released even less. (For comparison, see how much Romney released when he ran.)
That being said, both Pritzker and Kennedy should release their returns before the primary.
- Anon E. Moose - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:12 pm:
I agree that Pritzker and Kennedy should release their tax returns. I find it ironic that the GOP suddenly cares about this issue. Spare me your phony outrage.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:20 pm:
Anon0091,
The return was due on October 16th. Complicated returns are normally filed electronically. Hence, it’s in electronic form by the 16th. Shouldn’t be any “organizing” required.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:23 pm:
Will Dem primary voters be swayed by an ILGOP release? By the time this matters, it’ll all be resolved.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:38 pm:
I think it’s swell that Rich publishes ILGOP releases.
I can’t say that I’ve seen them picked up in any form anywhere else.
Which is the point of the exercise.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:58 pm:
Until The Leader of the GOP releases his returns maybe they ought to be quiet about politicians who don’t.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 6:50 pm:
Not sure I really care. Pritzker’s tax return is going to be large. I am sure that all his deductions are legal. Non issue.
- Jaxon - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 10:28 pm:
Do they not see the inconsistencies in this; okay for the GOP leader of the free world to conceal this information even while under investigation while big news with Dem candidates.
- Jerry - Friday, Oct 20, 17 @ 10:56 am:
Having Republicans object to candidates or office-holders not releasing their tax records is really funny. They obviously aren’t on the same page as the Big Orange Guy in the WH.