January 18th, 2012
01:15 PM ET

Christie urges Romney to release tax returns quickly

One of Mitt Romney's top GOP supporters urged the former Massachusetts governor on Wednesday to release his tax returns as soon as possible, arguing that full and rapid disclosure is the best strategy for the Republican front-runner.

"I would say if you have tax returns to put out, you know, you should put them out sooner rather than later, because it's always better in my view to have complete disclosure, especially as the front-runner," New Jersey Gov. Christie said on NBC's "Today Show."

"The most relevant information is the most recent," Christie argued.

On Tuesday, Romney caved to mounting pressure from both Democrats and Republicans, agreeing to release his returns after the Internal Revenue Service's April filing deadline. Romney, a former venture capitalist believed to be worth as much as $250 million, said he would provide voters with his most recent tax information.

Romney told reporters he "probably" paid a tax rate of 15% last year, since his income is derived primarily from investments. Most Americans' income is generated from workplace wages, requiring them in many cases to pay a much higher percentage of their income to the federal government.

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Filed under: Mitt Romney • Politics • Republican Party
soundoff (13 Responses)
  1. eejones

    I'm not interested in the 2011 return. I'm interested in the returns he already filed, for at least the last 10 years. Put up or bow out, Romney.

    January 18, 2012 at 2:54 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Cesar The Chorizo Champ of Chihuahua

    Romney should put a good deal of his money into a bail out fund and send some checks to us.

    January 18, 2012 at 3:29 pm | Report abuse |
  3. condie10

    My IMMEDIATE thought when he started tap dancing in the debate Monday over this topic and focused on how he would release it 'around April' was that he was avoiding his past returns being shared and is waiting for his 2011 return to be completed.

    Trust can't be on the table if someone isn't being completely open and honest. I used to think Ron Paul was 'crazy' in comparison to the other options... but every day he's looking better and better... at least I feel like what he says is what he believes to be true and honest.

    January 18, 2012 at 3:59 pm | Report abuse |
  4. banasy©

    I don't have a problem with his releasing his return on April 15th...as long as he's releasing them for the past ten years.

    January 18, 2012 at 4:10 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Chris

    People who work for a living and who are actual producers get taxed at a higher rate than shareholders who have no responsibility what so ever and who can sit on there buts waiting for returns... You see, that is what's wrong with America right now.

    Our tax system is anything but progressive.

    January 18, 2012 at 5:12 pm | Report abuse |
  6. bobcat (in a hat)©

    Romney is just dragging his feet on this so he can make sure the true amount won't come out. Ask him how many offshore accounts he has.

    January 18, 2012 at 5:20 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Warrior

    @bobcat,,,, now your scaring me, i really dont want to know, i still dont know who to vote for any suggestions? Vote for BOB CAT (IN A hat). We need to put reagular joes in office because us regulars are the ones that know what needs to be fixed

    January 18, 2012 at 7:05 pm | Report abuse |
  8. bobcat (in a hat)©

    @ Warrior

    My suggestion is to keep who we have. President Obama,IMO, has done a great job, considering the lack of support he's had. Give him another four years with a congress that will work with him, and I truly believe we'll see good things happen. Of course, like I said, IMO.

    January 18, 2012 at 7:11 pm | Report abuse |
  9. leeintulsa

    Wait a minute.. money from investments..

    I am a bit naive, perhaps, on such things.. But does that mean, like, for one, interest on invested money, that sort of thing? People like him, who are just rich and don't 'do' anything – politicians, etc. Do they pay social security and fica out of that money? I'll save a possibly greater rant for knowledge of that..

    January 18, 2012 at 7:35 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Joey Isotta-Fraschini©™

    Christie's advice was good.
    Romney won't be the President, but it appears as he's the best they've got–who is willing–for the nomination.
    I have another one in mind, and I hope that my (R) party is saving him.
    For this election, I'm with bobcat: keep what we have (BO).
    I don't mind Romney's being successful. I'd rather have success in the White House.

    January 18, 2012 at 8:55 pm | Report abuse |
  11. Candice

    Yes Joey you said it ,you have BO ! Learn the meaning of deodorent and use some,unless your wife likes the smell

    January 18, 2012 at 11:20 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Billa47

    All Mormons are expected to contribute 10% to the church. Romney contributed $4M so that covers $40M per year. I doubt if the church gets a copy of his tax return – they have to trust Mitt on his word. Would you trust this man after seeing him freeze and dither on this matter? An actual tax disclosure prior to the coming "cookable" 2011 tax return would blow open a lot of cobwebs on effective tax rates, off shore tax avoidance and even cheating the church before 2011.

    January 21, 2012 at 9:28 am | Report abuse |
  13. Billa47

    Correction to last post. Romney contributed $4M to Mormon church over 10 years rather than one year. That covers only $40M over ten years at the expected 10% contribution rate. Believable? Not to me.

    January 21, 2012 at 9:53 am | Report abuse |
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