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* Politico…
Gov. Bruce Rauner, who once described himself as part of the “point-zero-one percent” of wealthy Americans, is holding back on releasing his personal income taxes this year — a departure from past practice for the wealthy Republican. The Rauner Family Foundation also has not filed its papers this year.
Since Oct. 20, Rauner’s office did not respond to questions about why the governor hadn’t released his 2015 taxes and whether he planned to do so. Informed today that POLITICO was poised to publish a story, the governor’s office released this statement.
“Governor Rauner will release his tax returns, as he has done in the past, when additional filings are completed, including the filings for the Rauner Family Foundation,” said the text-message statement from spokeswoman Catherine Kelly. […]
“We’ve not seen those returns,” Illinois Democratic Party spokesman Steve Brown told POLITICO Illinois. “It certainly is another example of making him look more Trump-like. A very curious development.” […]
“Is it about not wanting to be transparent or not wanting to draw contrasts between yourself and the presidential nominee?” said Kent Redfield, professor emeritus at University of Illinois at Springfield. “Those are the two most reasonable explanations: ‘I don’t have to do it’ and ‘it’s not going to hurt me.’ Or we’re kind of slow-walking it because we don’t want to draw contracts between his behavior and Trump’s.”
He released his returns last year in mid-October. The grapevine has it that the new returns will show a large increase in income.
Your thoughts on this?
*** UPDATE *** Cute…
WTAX has asked the offices of the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate what plans there are to release those legislative leaders’ 2015 returns.
An e-mail from Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), says, As soon as law changes or Speaker makes same same decisions as governor’s.
Why he decided to jump into the fray considering his boss has never released his own tax returns is puzzling, to say the least.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:10 pm
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Guess he’s taking his lead from his party’s nominee — he that shall not be named (by any GOP regular).
Comment by Not quite a majority Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:12 pm
One reason is his State of Illinois tax bill went down.
Comment by Chicago 20 Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:12 pm
He doesn’t want us to see just how much play money he has to throw around in our “democratic” elections. Point is you get more democracy the larger your wallet.
Comment by Stark Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:13 pm
When will Speaker Madigan release his tax returns? I bet Mr. Brown is “very curious” about those too.
Comment by Lester Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:14 pm
I think Rauner shouldn’t release his returns until Madigan does. Any reporters pressing Steve Brown on his blatant hypocrisy?
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:15 pm
The difference between the Speaker’s income and the Governor’s is about the difference between a mountain and a molehill.
Comment by Stark Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:15 pm
===The grapevine has it that the new returns will show a large increase in income===
I bet he and Griff are shorting Illinois bonds.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:16 pm
Rauner’s taking notes on the Trump excuses for not releasing his returns.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:17 pm
Oh - Lester -, lol
Rauner represents the Executive of Illinois, and is different than the other two branches.
Rauner welcomed transparency, why does it matter what Madigan does?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:17 pm
I have the “over/under” at $86.5 million…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:19 pm
===The grapevine has it that the new returns will show a large increase in income.===
Depending on how much money he has been throwing into political tomfoolery, he probably has significant capital gains from selling stocks, etc, to be able to afford throwing millions into the toilet on badly targeted and designed mailers.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:20 pm
Quick Biss and Adelstein, back to the editing room!!!!
Comment by Roman Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:21 pm
Now THIS is a real issue.
Comment by Deft Wing Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:22 pm
So while the state he “governs” still has no full year budget, and the state’s most vulnerable no longer have a funded state safety net to turn to, Rauner enjoys a “large increase” in his massive income. Sounds about right.
Comment by slow down Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:22 pm
I am in the camp that thinks, “Why not release them, unless there is something to hide?”
As for the “Madigan!” bots here…I have the same thoughts. However, some of you who reason along the lines of “Rauner shouldn’t release his taxes until Madigan releases his” are…mature? A guy you don’t like does something you disagree with, so a guy you like should do the same? Winning?
Grow up. This is about Rauner. Not…MADIGAN!
Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:22 pm
Gotta love BigBrain spox for reminder us the Foundation…donor to IPI,Andy Shaw and who knows what frauds…has not filed either….deadline was Oct. 17
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:28 pm
By Citizens United logic, it looks like Bruce will have a lot more “speech” this year.
BTW - Whatever happened to that Blind Trust Rauner was going to put in place…or is that what he calls on us to do for his TA agenda?
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:29 pm
I am no fan of Rauner but it is my opinion that no elected official should be required or needs to release their tax returns.
Comment by MOON Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:30 pm
It was just a “blind” trust for the purposes of the Press release. There is nothing “blind” about it.
Comment by yeah Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Could some of his “plans” as governor have resulted in great personal financial gain? While more folks are deprived, by design, he capitalizes?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Dear Rich,
Governor Rauner plans release copies of his tax returns on Nov. 7, 2018. Hope that helps clear up any confusion.
Take care,
ck
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:40 pm
I’ve been suspecting what 47th Ward @ 2:16 pm is suspecting: ===I bet he and Griff are shorting Illinois bonds.===
Comment by Dome Gnome Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:40 pm
This is good. Now we can just “make up” the numbers. And if we repeat it long enough and loud enough it will become the “truth.”
Comment by Steam cleaner Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:41 pm
I’ve never been one to care whether or not a politician releases their tax returns. But, once you have released them you should probably continue releasing them, otherwise it makes people speculate that something is in there that you don’t want them to see
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:43 pm
Steve Brown delivering the hit on this is deeply comical, consider he claims to be an “independent contractor” in order to get around having to file a Statement of Economic Interests.
Comment by so... Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:44 pm
Big conspiracy theory day on the blog, huh? He has openly said that he is wealthy. We know his taxable income was $50 million or more a year for the last couple of years. I don’t have a huge interest in whether he is a little more or a little less wealthy this year than last. He is wealthy, we know it. It’s not an election year, so big deal.
Comment by steve schnorf Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:46 pm
==Rauner represents the Executive of Illinois, and is different than the other two branches.==
Curious take, considering you Madigan acolytes are always bleating about the legislature being a co-equal branch of government. If the head of one branch has a duty to disclose, then it follows that the head of another has the same duty.
Comment by so... Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:48 pm
When his returns are released it will show what we already know: he’s a rich guy.
Does anyone outside of Steve Brown and other Rauner critics really care about his tax returns?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:50 pm
I’m not interested in Rauner’s tax returns. We have his actions during his time in office to make our evaluations of his performance and apply to how we vote in next week’s state elections. OT: Trump not releasing his returns does concern me.
Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:50 pm
More to worry about than what’s in GBR’s tax returns. Illinois is in perpetual crisis. Distraction.
Comment by BK Bro Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:51 pm
He’s gonna call the Speaker and Senate President on election night to release his tax returns.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:54 pm
He is probably hiding something.
Comment by Mal Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:55 pm
In the minority: don’t care.
You want to see personal tax returns, put a bill on the floor requiring Returns disclosure for candidates or Public Officials and pass it into law.
Comment by Touré's Latte Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:57 pm
- steve schnorf -
With great respect,
If it’s no big deal, the he should release them.
You can’t say it’s no big deal then decide not to release them.
That’s not logical.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 2:59 pm
so…
Do you think the Speaker is the “head” of the legislative branch?
Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:03 pm
==Do you think the Speaker is the “head” of the legislative branch?==
Do you not?
Comment by so... Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:07 pm
- AlfondoGonz -
The Speaker, President Cullerton, Leaders Radogno and Durkin are held accountable by the districts first, ther caucuses second.
That’s how that works…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Willy, Try this out: No matter what they show; more wealth or less wealth, the faux newsmakers will have whatever they need to offer a perspective.
Wait a week. He’s not on any ballot. Release them then. As Schnorf said; “he’s still wealthy” Respectfully…that isn’t “news”
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:14 pm
“I want to make Illinois government the most transparent in America.” - Bruce Rauner, 2014
“Except for my tax returns.” - Bruce Rauner, now
Comment by Reality Check Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:16 pm
- A Guy -
LOL…
Waiting a week speaks volumes.
Rauner and Trump, Rauner maybe making as much as $80+ million on an “alleged” trust that he and we know include the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Bulls?
How blind is that? lol
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:17 pm
I could care less about people’s tax returns and have never understood people’s fascination with them. I actually think the media is more interested than the average taxpayer.
Comment by Ahoy! Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:18 pm
===I could care less about people’s tax returns and have never understood people’s fascination with them. I actually think the media is more interested than the average taxpayer.===
When people self-fund, I am way more interested. Especially when they self-fund an entire political party with a few friends to supplement.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:23 pm
The reason Rauner will not release his tax returns is simple. He is simply embarrassed about the amount of money he is deducting for … “Governin’ Costumes.”
Comment by yeah Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:25 pm
Does it really matter? If he made $100M or $35M last year, he is doing well enough to give out probably close to $40M so far. I would think all pols living off his money and the TV/radio/advertisers just love his contribution to their advertising budgets.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:26 pm
===Waiting a week speaks volumes.==
You’re entitled to that opinion…but it doesn’t speak volumes. It doesn’t even whisper. It’s a rally cry against Trump by people already in the Hillary camp. Few others care at all. It’s not hurting him. I know of no one who is voting against Trump for that reason. I’ve heard plenty of others, but that one’s no big deal. Fewer than that are the least bit worried about Rauner’s return.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:33 pm
===Fewer than that are the least bit worried about Rauner’s return.===
Rauner is worried. That’s why it speaks volumes.
If it’s no biggie, release them.
You can’t say no one cares or it’s no big deal then say it doesn’t matter when.
That’s illogical to the value of “no big deal”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:35 pm
The Illinois Constitution sets out requirements for running for constitutional offices. i do not see where it says release of income tax is a requirement. I don’t like Rauner and I don’t like Trump but this is a phony issue. What does it prove?
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:35 pm
So…
Please see OW’s response to me.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:36 pm
“Trump-like” says it all
Comment by Joe M Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:37 pm
=== What does it prove? ===
1. It is a folkway. It has a long standing tradition.
2. If you are ultra-wealthy, it can help explain who you have influence over and who has influence over you.
3. It really isn’t that big of a deal if you are an ethical person.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:40 pm
===this is a phony issue===
OK, take it up with Rauner the past two years.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:41 pm
If Rauner is so wealthy why spend the money on elections while shorting the social services he’s stuffing for so called reforms aka make the rich richer.
Comment by Borat Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:44 pm
“As soon as law changes”
That seems like a goofy response from the spokesman for the Speaker of the House. Sorta like “make me” overheard on the playground.
Comment by Birdseed Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:45 pm
To all the “no big deal” people out there I seem to remember a Governor abusing his position in an attempt to enrich himself.
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 3:48 pm
I’m not interested in whether he made $50M or $500M. I’m interested in seeing his charitable deductions. He said there was a “firewall” between him and Ounce of Prevention. Is there really? What about campaign contributions? Could there be something he’s not reporting, or kinda sorta reporting but not in the way the law intended? How about conflicts of interest that might be exposed?
As far as Rauner vs. Madigan is concerned, Rauner can do a whole lot more with a stroke of his pen than Madigan can.
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 4:00 pm
You can all hate him even more next week or next month and take it out on him when he’s actually on the ballot. I knock a lot of doors. I can assure you, people aren’t asking about Bruce Rauner and they aren’t whipped up over his tax returns. None. Zero. Nada.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 4:08 pm
Is Bruce afraid of another paramour?
Comment by Borat Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 4:17 pm
We all vote for the govenor we don’t get to vote for the speaker or president. Showing your taxes proves to the taxpayers you have nothing to hide
Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 5:01 pm
Seems like a good opportunity for a poll. “Do you actually care if any political figure releases their tax returns?” “If so, why?”
Comment by BK Bro Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 5:18 pm
“I knock a lot of doors. I can assure you, people aren’t asking about Bruce Rauner and they aren’t whipped up over his tax returns. None. Zero. Nada.”
And you always seem to knock on the doors of folks who just happen to be in complete agreement with the opinion you’ve just expressed.
Curious.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 5:26 pm
Willy, with respect, I’m not saying whether it’s a big deal or not,I’m just saying it’s a non election year for him, his tax returns don’t show his political contributions, and so I just don’t care when or even if he releases them this year
Comment by Steve Schnorf Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 5:27 pm
===I can assure you, people aren’t asking about Bruce Rauner and they aren’t whipped up over his tax returns. None. Zero. Nada.===
Then you should join in the chorus and ask Rauner to release them now.
No one cares. It won’t matter.
Right?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 5:29 pm
So the question has to be pondered What’s different about this year? If released in the past, has something changed?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 5:30 pm
- Steve Schnorf -
Thank you for your response, and your logic there makes sense… in this moment, today, this year… and your position to this specifically… for you to be satisfied.
As always with respect.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 5:34 pm
Why would Brown be stupid enough to talk about this issue? Everyone knows Rauner is rich, nobody knows how much Madigan makes from his real estate work.
Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 8:56 pm
The full tax return would reveal a lot about the nature of his income and wealth. Is that 57 million his return from investments or the liquidation of his partnerships. He wants us to think he is worth 500 million..why not release the return and prove it.
Comment by illinois manufacturer Tuesday, Nov 1, 16 @ 9:31 pm
I think the media needs to relentlessly step up the pressure on Madigan to release his tax returns and dog him everywhere he goes.
Comment by downstater Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 7:47 am
He made a lot of deals, and when you self fund you become suspect, sometimes those deals are charitable/losses, its fair game. Also, agree Brown/Madigan can’t throw stones, but with our Chicago reporters its all we can rely on.
Comment by curious Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 8:11 am
Difficult to listen to you Mendoza, you lying little corrupt Madigan crony. Tax & spend liberal
Comment by Latino for Munger Wednesday, Nov 2, 16 @ 10:32 am