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Releasing tax returns an issue again – in governor’s races

Posted at 7:52 AM, Sep 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-20 08:52:16-04

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Races for governor this year have echoes of one aspect of the 2016 presidential race.

In several states, candidates are refusing to release their tax returns. That’s true even in states with a long tradition of candidates releasing their tax information.

In Pennsylvania, the Republican challenger who has made millions from his trash-hauling business is refusing to release his returns. The incumbent, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, has released his in what he said was a nod to transparency.

It’s an issue that is playing out this year in several hotly contested races, including in Illinois, Iowa and New Mexico, to name a few.

Transparency advocates worry that President Donald Trump’s election victory after refusing to release his tax returns will embolden other candidates for top office to keep theirs secret, as well.