Posted by Monique Garcia at 12:15 p.m.
Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn released his tax returns today and turned his disclosure into a campaign issue by calling on Republican rival Sen. Bill Brady to do the same or drop out.
The governor said there is “something not right” about Brady’s refusal to release his tax information, suggesting Brady is trying to hide business interests that could conflict with holding the state’s top office.
Asked to offer up proof, Quinn acknowledged he had none, but said the situation sets itself up for a conflict of interest. Brady is the oldest of three brothers in a family real estate, development and construction business.
Seeking to sway voters before the November election, Quinn said the tradition of politicians releasing tax information is about transparency, and added taxpayers deserve to know the financial situation of those running for office, particularly given’s Illinois’ political history and the public’s lack of faith in elected officials.
“As everyone knows we’ve had two governors preceding me that got into a lot of trouble, one’s in jail, one’s under indictment,” Quinn said, referring to predecessors George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. “ Illinois doesn’t need a shady governor. I think it’s very important we have a governor that’s open, direct, and accessible.”
“I think anybody who wants to aspire to this office and doesn’t want to disclose their tax return really should re-think their candidacy, because I think this is fundamental to making sure the governor of our state does not have any conflicts of interest that would in any way harm the people of Illinois.”
Brady said last week that he didn’t think there was a reason to release his tax forms. Brady’s campaign could not immediately be reached for comment.
Brady won’t release his income tax returns or reveal his net worth.
The Tribune reported earlier this year that state economic interest
statements outline holdings that include property management, an Amish
furniture store, a Days Inn in Danville and an interest in the
Bloomington indoor football team. Florida records showed he owns a Fort
Lauderdale condominium that he said he bought in recent years for
$380,000.
Quinn reported an adjusted gross income of $157,122 in 2009, including his salary as governor, interest income and withdrawal from his pension account. He paid $27,547 in federal income tax and $4,468 in state income tax. Quinn became governor in late January after Blagojevich was impeached and removed by the General Assembly.
Running mate Sheila Simon, a Carbondale law instructor, filed jointly with husband Perry Knop. They reported an adjusted gross income of $152,507, including $13,121 in business income from musical performances and consultation work. The couple pain $22,894 in federal income tax and $4,117 in state income tax.
Simon, who was not at Quinn’s Chicago news conference, plays banjo and bassoon in a band.