Chicago Sun Times Editorial: Why not release tax returns?

Chicago Sun Times Editorial: Why not release tax returns?
Copyright by The Chicago Sun Times
May 20, 2010
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/2294580,CST-EDT-edit20b.article


Jason Plummer, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Illinois, is not legally required to release his income tax returns. So he was perfectly within his rights Tuesday when he said he won't do so.
But voters aren't required to accept his explanation that releasing tax data is just a "political distraction."

Presumably, it wouldn't be much of a distraction if there is little of interest in those tax records. So voters can fairly wonder if Plummer has decided it is better to risk the criticism he'll receive for not releasing his returns than the stream of news stories if he does.

Plummer's running mate, gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady, was in a similar situation last month after saying he wouldn't release his returns. After criticism from several quarters, including Gov. Quinn, Brady relented. The result was the revelation that Brady, who is wealthy, did not owe federal income taxes for the past two years because of business losses.

Plummer, who also is wealthy, might well wish to keep the details of his family's extensive businesses private. But this is Illinois, where three of the last seven men elected governor have gone to prison and a fourth is scheduled to go on trial next month.

If Plummer doesn't change his mind, he shouldn't be surprised if voters turn out to be a bit skeptical.