[Cicero]

I think so too. There are plenty of rich Dem politicians, but they get a free ride. If Simon releases his taxes, the California media will probably bash him as a rich playboy and try to work up some voter jealousy and class hatred.

On the other hand, as long as they keep bashing him for not releasing his tax returns, it keeps them from attacking him for something else. And I don't think many people are going to get excited about this issue. It's pretty boring.

Unfortunately, Republicans have to run against the press as well as the Democrats. If the press were neutral, conservatives would do a lot better.

[Argus]

I was wondering about the whole tax return thing and the most benign explanation I could come up with is that Simon, as a devout Catholic, does not want to disclose the extent of his charitable giving, which is reputedly very generous. You're not supposed to advertise it (let not your right hand know etc.), so I'm guessing this might account for his reluctance to reveal the facts.

[ElkGroveDan]

the California media will probably bash him as a rich playboy and try to work up some voter jealousy and class hatred

Good call it has already begun.

"...Hours later, Bush joined forces with some of California's wealthiest Republicans for the first of two events expected to raise almost $4 million for gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon, who is trying to unseat Democratic incumbent Gray Davis.

As the glittering crowd arrived at a Los Angeles hotel in a parade of Ferraris, Aston Martins and Rolls Royces, about four dozen protesters demonstrated against Bush's Middle East policies,..."
(full story)

Does anyone here believe that when Clinton held his fundraisers with Babs Streisand and Steven Spielberg that they drove up in old Buicks? Were they identified in the press as some of California's wealthiest Democrats? Did they glitter? What cars did they drive?

The bias isn't even veiled anymore.