Colorado Democratic Party

Following extensive reporting and a New York Times editorial regarding former Gov. Mitt Romney’s refusal to release his tax returns, Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio released the following statement:

“A generation ago, Mitt Romney’s father, George, helped to establish greater transparency in our Presidential elections by releasing previous comprehensive federal income tax returns. Sadly, Mitt Romney is abandoning his father’s contributions and a generation of precedent. As critical primary contests are held over the coming weeks, Romney has offered little more than a vague promise to release some information after the nomination is all but decided. A serious candidate for the Presidency owes voters more.

“Colorado voters have an opportunity to hold Mitt Romney accountable for trying to play by his own set of rules. Colorado Republicans should demand answers before they meet in their upcoming caucuses. What financial conflicts of interest does Mitt Romney have? Is it connected to his opposition to the Buffet Rule, which would close a loophole enabling multimillionaires to pay a lower tax rate than their secretaries? Why don’t voters have a right to know before they go to the ballot box?

“Coloradans won’t stand for a Presidential candidate who tries to play by a privileged set of rules. It’s time for Mitt Romney to come clean.”