14.1 percent

Reasons for Romney Tax Release Emerge

Aides say strategy was to quell constant requests.

Now that Mitt Romney finally released his much-asked-about tax return, the question remains, why now? Prior to releasing his 2011 return Friday, Romney had refused to reveal his tax rate, and said he had never paid less than 13 percent (whereas his 2011 return shows he paid 14.1 percent). A source close to the Romney campaign told Politico that strategists simply decided there would constantly be requests for Romney’s personal financial records and wanted to put an end to speculation. Aides close to Romney also tell Politico the release was strategically timed so that discussions over Romney’s taxes would be over by the time he faces Obama in the first debate. Another GOP strategist speculated that the move was an attempt to make Romney seem more transparent and accessible amid criticism for his recent “47 percent” remarks.