Gilbert, South Carolina (CNN) - Mitt Romney opened up a new line of attack against his main South Carolina rival Newt Gingrich Friday, calling on the former speaker to release the full report from the ethics investigation that led to his downfall in Congress.
"You know it's going to get out before the general election. He ought to get it out now," Romney said on Friday.
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Gingrich was reprimanded by the House and ordered to pay a $300,000 penalty in 1997 for violating an ethics rule. The episode marked the first time in the nation's history a speaker was penalized by Congress.
Romney urged Gingrich to make the full ethics report available to South Carolina voters before Saturday's primary.
"I wouldn't release things piecemeal. Do it all at once," he told reporters after an event in Gilbert, South Carolina.
A Gingrich spokesman brushed off the attack and said the report is already available to read online.
"Mitt should go to Thomas at the Library of Congress website and search 'already been released' and read the report in the Congressional record," R.C. Hammond said.
The report appears on the Library of Congress web site as well as the website of the House Ethics Committee.
Romney's communications director said the governor was calling on Gingrich to release underlying documents he had provided to the ethics committee during the investigation.
"Given Speaker Gingrich's newfound interest in disclosure and transparency, and his concern about an 'October surprise,' he should authorize the release of the complete record of the ethics proceedings against him," Gail Gitcho said.
"We know from Newt's own statements that he turned over a million pages of documents. Nancy Pelosi, who sat on the ethics committee, said that this information contains damaging information. Nancy Pelosi is gleeful over the information she has on Speaker Gingrich, and Speaker Gingrich is concerned enough to threaten her with a rules violation. If Nancy Pelosi has this information, Barack Obama has this information."
The former Massachusetts governor recently faced disclosure questions of his own, as reporters pressed him on his varying responses on when he would release his tax records.
"I've indicated that I will release my tax returns. I'll do so when they're prepared which would be April, first, middle part of April and then they'll all come out at one time," Romney said.
He added that there would be multiple returns released.
"There will be more than one year. I don't know the exact number," Romney said.
One of Romney's top surrogates, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, chastised the news media for repeatedly raising the question this week.
"The people of South Carolina are not talking about tax returns," Haley said.
"I've heard more people wondering about why you people aren't asking about ethics reports and ethics problems with the Gingrich campaign and nobody is talking about tax returns," Haley added.
Romney brushed off the boos he received during Thursday's CNN debate when he suggested that releasing his returns would provide ammunition to his opponents.
"So different campaigns cheer and boo different people based upon the interest of their campaign," Romney said.
Romney dismissed the notion that he mishandled the issue.
"I can't possibly tell you that everything I do in a campaign is perfect," Romney said.
The GOP frontrunner appeared to downplay expectations ahead of Saturday's primary, noting Gingrich's regional advantage as a southerner.
"Speaker Gingrich is from a neighboring state, well-known, popular in the state. And so I knew we'd have a long road ahead of us," Romney said.
"And frankly to be in a neck-and-neck race at this last moment is kind of exciting," he added.
The former Massachusetts governor acknowledged he may not be able wrap up the nomination as quickly as many pundits once predicted.
"We're gonna go on for a long race and I think I've got the staying power and a message that I think connects with people."
Also see:
Perry drops out, endorses Gingrich
Judge-drawn Texas redistricting map tossed out by Supreme Court
From CNN Politics
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First release your Tax Return
It is not Mr. Gingrich's call on whether or not "underlying documents" associated with his ethics violations can or cannot be released. It would be a violation of House Congressional rules to release anything wihtout at least a vote by a House committee. If Mitt Romney understood Congress, he would already know that. Perhaps he is hoping that the public is ignorant of these facts. Newt cannot even discuss the content, much less release actual documents.
The dirty tricks GOBP will attack Newt like wild dogs when he wins. I've got my popcorn ready
Romney: "I don't know the total number"; "I'm not sure what my tax rate is", "Don't know how many returns I'll show". Sheesh, for someone who wants us to believe he's a business genius and economic guru, he's pretty weak on basic math.......
Romney is full of it! He's trying to deflect the issue of his tax returns by bringing up the ethics report WHICH IS ALREADY A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD! What a piece of --!
That a boy, Romney, hit him right back.
Romney 2012 !!! The Only Person with the Structure, Discipline, and Money to Beat Obama. That is a fact.
Is that loser Haley joined to Romney at the hip or what? If he thinks her support is helpful, think again.
I love watching these jerks turn on each other.
gop, what a shame...
Newt and Romney both for individual mandate, climate change, and tarp. Both too much like Obama for me. Santorum all the way!
One of Romney's top surrogates, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, chastised the news media for repeatedly raising the question this week.
"The people of South Carolina are not talking about tax returns," Haley said.
I'd like to see Haleys tax return , she's not the most honest of apples !
OK, I like that Romney is showing some fight here. Come on Romney, fight back like Newt just tossled your hair! Let us know you can get down and dirty with a knife fighter if that's what it takes, and it will with Obama and his union thugs.
@Former Republican, but never again! - You are full of it. I think you did pay attention to everything in the article. Let me refrace it, I KNOW you did not pay attention to everything. They are asking for what has not been released.
@Jane – He is wealthy and has millions of things he needs to do before they are released. I bet you cant remember exactly what is on your taxes 10 years ago, and if you were running for president and were going to release them, you need to make sure you have reviewed them and make sure you know what everything is so you can answer all the questions that will come from them. Its not easy, and if you are a fair person you would understand.
If I was Newt I say I will release them the minute you release your tax returns. That's fair.
That fact that he doesn't pay his fair share of taxes and even sends money to offshore accounts so that he doesn't have to pay taxes is absolutely a question of ethics for someone who wants to lead this country.
Oooooo someone is getting nervous. Could it be Willard is falling apart?
RELEASE YOUR TAX RETURNS WILLARD and stop STALLING.
“Romney should not backed away or, more properly slung away, from being up front with the American people. He is eager to say a lot about how successful he is and how his adversaries are critical so, he should show the world just how successful he really is. Newt has his out for examination, Ron Paul said no and his tax returns are probably not very interesting anyway. Santorum kinda said he would. He is probably nervous about all the lobbyist earnings he has in his report. Santorum may like to tout himself as the coal miner's kin but his lifestyle in DC is a longways from the mines. In the end no one should be surprised that whether Romney, Gingrich or Santorum are elected the people can expect more of the Bush philosophy of tax cuts and corporate welfare so just take your pick, they are all pretty much the same
Gingrich released a single year's tax return just last night. No other candidate has released their returns, or has any specific plans to do so. So why does Romney take all the heat on this? Answer: it's all his opponents have to hang on to. He's a man of integrity, vision, and leadership, and he's proved that in the private sector, in the Olympics, and in executive government. The others don't even come close. I'm voting for Mitt.
Wire Palladin, S. F.
Being 47th in job creation in MA, during a time when our country was undergoing a huge economic boom period, is not something to brag about.
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Hey Wire – Mitt was governor from 2003 – 2007. Right in the middle of the Bush years and just before the democrats took the house. Thanks for letting us all know that you agree that this time was a "huge economic boom period". Thank you – Please come again!
Choosing a MORAL CHARACTER LIKE NEWT is lIKE choosing PALY BOY to run this country!!!
Romney's tax plan would raise taxes on the poor to fund a $300,000 tax cut for people that make over $1 million a year.
Why doesn't he just eat the poor while he's at it?
Mittens is starting to feel the pressure and his ugly side is coming out.....what fun!!
While I agree, I think that Romney's chance to ask this was during the debate. This type of thing makes Romney look like he needs to be counseled on what to say, but can't think on his own. Not something we want in a President.
The paid shills in Romney's camp are scrambling to do damage control. It's a bit late, folks - after a close race in SC between Gingrich and Romney you will see Santorum drop out. Romney is soiling his magic underwear at the thought of a unified conservative base coalescing behind Gingrich for the big FL primary.
I honestly believe CNN would rather see Newt as president (even after he blasts them on national television) than Ron Paul – who is the only REAL candidate with REAL solutions to fix our country, no matter how painful those solutions are, they will be forced upon us eventually if we continue electing Washington insiders or members of the super rich 1% who continually sacrifice the well being of the average American in order to line their pockets. CNN (and most media) won't give Paul the time of day because he threatens their relationship with big government, and ultimately their political power, influence, and $$$$$$$. I used to be a liberal, but Ron Paul hit's the nail on the head. You would think the liberal minded individuals would get behind Paul and actually mention him? Even the poll on your home page shows he has the most support? What is wrong with you CNN??? Don't make me start watching FOX News!
hee heee heeee
Gotta stock up on pop corn.
In last night's debate, why didn't CNN's John King ask Romney about his Cayman Island bank accounts.
The paid shills in Romney's camp are scrambling to do damage control. It's a bit late, folks – after a close race in SC between Gingrich and Romney you will see the nutjob from Pennsylvania drop out. Romney is crying out at the thought of a unified conservative base coalescing behind Gingrich for the big FL primary.
CRAZY is the word...
It's CRAZY to see two republican NUTS battling for first place in South Carolina at the expense of the ONLY two SOBER candidates offered up for election: Santorum and Huntsman. This really shows how disconnected South Carolina's are with real issues. The religious junkies seems to be having fun proving how narrow-minded they are with regards to political reality. Religion will NEVER run this country...it's really, really, CRAZY!!
I think almost anyone would be a better president that the current occupier of the white house. But, good for Obama in saying he would veto the SOPA and PIPA if they came across his desk. One of the few times I think he did the right thing and I agree with him. Ok Rudy, don't have a cow.
Hey Matt - CNN hasn't been liberal in years, buddy. Get up to speed. They've been hyping war with Iran for over a year, and they've been pitching Romney and Newt to us for months.
If President Obama had to show his long form birth certificate, then Mitt should reveal at least 12 of his last tax returns like his father did! We need to see how much money he has offshore that he hasn't paid taxes on and how he would benefit from the policies he would pass if he became president. There is such a thing call conflict of interest...
Fair is Fair
Wire Palladin, S. F.
Being 47th in job creation in MA, during a time when our country was undergoing a huge economic boom period, is not something to brag about.
---–
Hey Wire – Mitt was governor from 2003 – 2007. Right in the middle of the Bush years and just before the democrats took the house. Thanks for letting us all know that you agree that this time was a "huge economic boom period". Thank you – Please come again!
============================================================================================
Excellent point Fair... And might I add WITH A REPUBLICAN HOUSE AND SENATE!! Yes, you do not have to go back t the Clinton days to find a long period of growth and prosperity but the leftists like to portray all of Bush's 8 years in office as an economic downturn.
BTW, the years Romney was Governor, there was a LABOR shortage, not a job shortage. Unemployment was well below 5% in MA, but the deceitful leftists won't tell you that.
@Jariv
What does Romney being rich have to do with his tax returns? Isn't he the one that boasted he balanced the budget in his state every year? How long has it been a common practice for candidates to release their returns? Isn't this Romney's second attempt at the GOP Nomination?
It makes any right-thinking individual what, what kind of Governor/Business he really was... The guy is corrupt and it smells to the heavens.
Alex - That fact that he doesn't pay his fair share of taxes and even sends money to offshore accounts so that he doesn't have to pay taxes is absolutely a question of ethics for someone who wants to lead this country
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he paid exactly what he was required to under the law which IS HIS FAIR SHARE. Looney leftists don't get to decide this, the tax laws do. Did Obama overpay his taxes? Doubt it.
And people can invest abroad and they do all the time. Absolutely nothing illegal about it. Enough with the baseless smears.
I worry about poster called "Jariv"; he/she is so far up Romney's a** how can he/she keep from tripping over the furniture and injuring something....
Oh my God I want tell truth people what happened about fraud check scam
Romeny...disassociate yourself with Gov Haley! she will be an albatross in the long haul!
Jariv wrote:
He is wealthy and has millions of things he needs to do before they are released. I bet you cant remember exactly what is on your taxes 10 years ago, and if you were running for president and were going to release them, you need to make sure you have reviewed them and make sure you know what everything is so you can answer all the questions that will come from them. Its not easy, and if you are a fair person you would understand.
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Gov. Romney has been running for POTUS for at least the past six years. He has had a long, long head start to prepare himself for these inevitable quesitons. From the beginiing, he has thought that he could weasel his way through the primaries and later hopefully the general election.
He has already flip-flopped on this issue several times over the past few weeks. He has shifted from No to Maybe, and is till resisting Yes. Besides, if he was truly this ignorant of the tradition and caught unawares [ a tradition started by his own father no less ] and the expectations that would placed upon his shoulders, then he lacks the incite to be POTUS.
Fair – The point is that your job creating hero, the Caymen Kid, did not create jobs during the best of times. Obama inherited the Bush mess, and has seen the growth of over 3 million jobs.
@RepubsMakeNoSense - If you have never been rich you might not Understand. Taxes are not simple. Hundreds of pages that need to be looked at. I am not Rich by the way, but I know this from accountants. The guy is not corrupt in any ways. I promise you that. You will see when he shows his taxes and in the future.
Jariv must be a Romney.
Truth and Fair is Fair – You guys forgot to mention that the economic 'boom' you're talking about was but an economic bubble, or if you prefer 'an inflated speculation, especially if fraudulent' according to the dictionary...
How could you (pretend to) forget that?
I really enjoy seeing the crazy right wingnuts circle their wagons around little Mittens. Corporate Raider, Caymen tax evader, job destroyer, flip flopper, chicken hawk, are conservative qualities I despise.
Truth wrote:
he paid exactly what he was required to under the law which IS HIS FAIR SHARE. Looney leftists don't get to decide this, the tax laws do. Did Obama overpay his taxes? Doubt it.
And people can invest abroad and they do all the time. Absolutely nothing illegal about it. Enough with the baseless smears.
------–
ON this point, I agree. The rate that he pays on his taxes is irrelevant.
The fact that he does not wish to disclose whether or not he has any conflicts of interest is the real issue. We cannot elect someone to the White House who works for a bigger master. No way. The fact that his own tax proposals would probably lower his annual tax debt to something less than what a bus driver pays, while raising it on the poor and lower middle class, is the real issue.
@Jane - I feel sorry for you. I am a supporter and I believe in something. You should write with the use of common sense. When you say he doesn't know basic math is pure stupidity! How can he have become so wealthy without it. You make yourself look stupid.
Follow the link and you can read the report. If you get more than 10 pages into it without wanting to vomit at the hypocrisy of the purported ethics violations, then you are an idiot. the complaint and findings relate to 2 projects the Speaker engaged in to promote a view of American culture and society, one was a college course and the other a video program connected to a new voter recruitment program. The crux of the complaint and findings hinges on the use of tax deductible funds (via 501c3) to develop these programs and that they then advocated toward a political view.
The hypocrisy here is in the direct comparisons to the uber-liberal programs and ultra-left-leaning educational elite that has for many decades recieved tax free monies or even taxpayer funds to preach and recruit people to a liberal viewpoint.
The greatest fault that I can find in Gingrich's conduct through the ethics investigation and final report is that he should have worked harder to find competent counsel to argue his case and represent that what he did was within the confines of the law, ethical, and did not reflect badly on the house in any way.
Why Romney was singled out to share his tax returns is beyond me. Anyone falling for this garbage are total sheep and highly suggestible. It's just a ploy by his rivals to make him squirm and influence public opinion, as was Romney's invitation for Gingrich to release these records.
Wow. Someone is a little sensitive about their tax returns. I wonder what he could be hiding.
wrong turn - Choosing a MORAL CHARACTER LIKE NEWT is lIKE choosing PALY BOY to run this country!!!
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Two words... Bill Clinton. Two more... John Kennedy. Two more: Case closed.
PS...releasing tax returns would make anyone squirm. No one wants to be audited. It's just a pain in the....lower back.
Romney, you need to release your tax return now. What are you actually hiding?
“Poll Newt leads by 6 in South Carolina” Politico
Romney actually made ALL this money on the backs of other American companies (some gone belly up) in the United States of America. Why should he choose to bank it in the Cayman Islands to avoid paying taxes in the United States?
This does not spell one for an aspiring president...who can't clearly see through this logic?
And you release your tax records, you greasy crook.
Romney 2012! Gingrich has too much bagage with his adulterous failed marriages and ethics violations. He is a walking disaster!
Alex ... wake up and understand the facts or stop posting. Having money off-shore does not mean you avoid U.S. taxes. Mitt pay taxes on that money twice. Once as earned income — again a 15% hit on dividends. You're either jealous, stupid, or both.
Mitt Romney is right on track to ask for the ethics report and $310,000.00 fine record on Newt Gingrich. Romney should release his tax returns like his father did decades ago. Romney said he would replace Obama's 100% private national health insurance program with his better plan. The position is more Christian than returning to 40,000,000 American with no health care. The disruption could end in no coverage because Congress decides this as mentioned. Fix-ups might work better. Evangelicals should ask themselves how Christian is violating public trust and denying ill people health care.
"You pull your pants down first!" "NO, you pull yours down first" "No YOU!" "NO YOU!!!" Fact is both of them should just drop drawers and run for cover.
Oh Boy. Newt is going to take Romney and Santorum down with him. That will leave Paul.
That's a weak response from a weak candidate. Thank God neither Newt or Mitt will ever be President.
Vote for Mitt Romney can save America and beat Omaha. Warning Newt is wonderful lairs and dishonest his life and therefore he becomce President get worst lairs and no promise and possible affairs more than image his secret!! What you want Newt as President?? But He cannot beat Omaha. He told gays go vote Omaha???? SC people you are blind and trust him???? Who he is??? Sc people or Christian vote for Mitt Romney his right wait tax on April because of paper work send by company before April he cannot process it the forms. What is wrong with Newt s smart until stupid that question. He will fail as president . Dont vote Newt!!! Vote for Mitt Romney yu will be never wrong one. Mitt can only beat Omaha postive.
"I worry about poster called "Jariv"; he/she is so far up Romney's a** how can he/she keep from tripping over the furniture and injuring something..."
Based on the comments I've seen elsewhere, he is Mr. Jari Valledares and he posts his nonsense all over the web. He's probably a paid troll since he works so hard to spout the same senseless stuff so often.
Truth, Romney's tax issues or his use of offshore accounts is not about "leftists", why do you keep throwing up the same stuff? This is about choosing the right Conservative candidate, you just seem a bit...well obsessed. Time will come soon enough when their big machine kicks into gear....for now I'm more curious to see who the GOP chooses.
If you release your tax return
Let's stop and think about SC. It is like Iowa. FUll of racists and crazy religious zealots - the true Republican party.
Wire Palladin, S. F.
Fair – The point is that your job creating hero, the Caymen Kid, did not create jobs during the best of times. Obama inherited the Bush mess, and has seen the growth of over 3 million jobs.
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Wre – according to your post, the "Bush Mess" was a "the best of times". So what is it? You just can't have it both ways.