Debbie Wasserman-Schultz Defends Harry Reid, Calls On Romney To Release Tax Records

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz added her voice to those calling on Mitt Romney to release his tax records, as the DNC chairwoman defended Harry Reid’s accusations that Romney hasn’t paid taxes in 10 years.

Appearing on “This Week,” Debbie Wasserman-Schultz was grilled when host George Stephanopoulos asked if Reid was out of line with his accusation, which came from an unnamed source, Mediaite reported.

Wasserman-Schultz admitted that even she didn’t know the secret source who allegedly told Reid that Romney has been dodging taxes, but turned the question back around to indict Romney instead. She suggested that Romney could put the whole issue to rest by simply releasing his returns and proving that he paid the taxes.

The manuever is likely a bit of political gameplay on the part of Reid and Wasserman-Schultz. Whether they actually believe the allegations that Romeny hasn’t paid taxes or not, the issue puts pressure on Romney to release the records to prove them wrong. Democrats believe that even if it proves he has paid taxes, they will be able to use other parts of the tax releases to attack Romney.

Though Romney has already released some tax records, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz told Stephonopolous that these scant returns were “just for show.”

She also noted that Romney has dodged questions about his taxes, making the issue fair game.

“Mitt Romney could clear this up in 10 seconds by releasing the 23 years of tax returns that he gave to John McCain when he was being vetted for vice president,” Debbie Wasserman-Schultz said on “This Week.” “Or even 12 years of tax returns that his own father said were what was appropriate”

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