An editorial in The Washington Post today, headlined "Flunking the Sunshine Primary," makes a great statement about the importance of disclosure and openness in the presidential campaigns, in this case regarding candidates' tax returns.
"It's not legally required, but it has become customary for presidential candidates to release their income tax returns in addition to the mandated financial disclosure forms. Unfortunately, this tradition of openness is at risk," the Post editorial commented, noting that only Sens. Dodd and Obama have released their returns.
"Making tax returns public is, no doubt, an imposition on a candidate's privacy -- but choosing to run for president means relinquishing privacy in all sorts of areas. It has become a given that presidents and vice presidents release their tax filings. Financial disclosure forms provide some important details, but they disclose the value of assets or the amount of income only within broad ranges, and with notable gaps. In addition, tax returns provide insights and information that is not available elsewhere, such as use of tax shelters or the amount and kind of charitable contributions."
Though there may be debate about releasing similar information for spouses and children of candidates, The Post concluded, "For candidates themselves, though, disclosure isn't a close question. There is no excuse for any of the presidential contenders to decline to release their returns. Voters should take note."
The entire editorial can be read on washingtonpost.com.
At Sunshine Week, we couldn't agree more about the importance of openness, whether it's among officials already elected or those seeking office, at the presidential level or the local city council. As such, we are planning a major election project for 2008 called the "Sunshine Campaign." More details will be available in the coming weeks on this blog and at the Sunshine Week Web site.
