The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

Okay shmartypants... at what political level does it become necessary to reveal one's personal financials?

Depends on what you mean by reveal. There is no requirement at any level (so far as I know) for providing the public with detailed personal financial information such as releasing tax returns. That is just something candidates are bullied into by the media, opposing candidates, and to a lesser extent the voters.

However, there are various regulations and body bylaws requiring various elected officials to make various less detailed disclosures (such as "I own between $50,000 and $500,000 in a DJIA indexed mutual fund; I own between $500,000 and $3 million in real estate, etc.). I know that congressman and senators have this requirements. I don't know if the president does (since I don't think Congress could force it on the president -- separation of powers -- it would seem to me voluntary).

That's my understanding of it, anyway.