UPDATE: So, uh, Scott McInnis went on the Caplis and Silverman Show again to talk about this tax return/sources of income/”what am I hiding” thing today, and rather than come between our readers and the goods, we give you–The Good Elk Hunter.
That’s right, folks, and Bob Beauprez trained the elk. It’s swell that McInnis shot an elk once and gave the meat to a poor family–but that’s the best example a man who said a few months ago he would “match contributions” with all comers has got? Truth is, charitable contributions are kind of a sideshow to the real reasons people want to see McInnis’ financials, but that doesn’t excuse him after giving the most rambling, self-contradictory, ridiculous answer to the question imaginable. Original post follows.
—
The normally understated Chuck Plunkett, Denver Post editorial board member, has had enough of Scott McInnis’ intransigence over routine personal financial disclosures:
Call me uncharitable, but when I learned of Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis’ recalcitrance over the traditional release of income tax returns, a certain radio tirade came to mind.
Anyone who read Sunday’s articles in The Denver Post contrasting the personal financial history of Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to that of the former congressman’s might wonder about that August tirade as well.
In a KHOW radio interview with Craig Silverman and Dan Caplis – before Hickenlooper entered the race – an angry McInnis claimed that he is unparalleled in his charitable giving.
“I’d be happy to kind of match my contributions to the community against either one of you, for example, or against the governor or against any of my opponents,” McInnis says.
It was a truly odd comment then, and it could prove a disastrous one now.
It turns out that the mayor can clearly be called charitable, and as for McInnis, well, we just have to take his word for it…
Voters have to wonder whether the forms McInnis is hiding conceal something. Did the lawmaker make his millions from sweetheart deals and political payback?
Or is it that he’s miserly when it comes to charity? Could both things be true? We simply can’t know.
For those of you who don’t remember, Plunkett is referring to a radio interview of Scott McInnis from last year–one of the more disastrous media appearances we can recall for any major political candidate, McInnis interpreted relatively softball questions from friendly hosts Dan Caplis and Craig Silverman as hostile, and basically melted down in a fit of nonsensical accusations and childish taunts to “match his record” on charitable donations. Considered a massive embarrassment of the kind that would kill a campaign a little later in the season, McInnis has tried mightily in subsequent months to live this interview down.
As it’s not actually possible to “match” McInnis’ record on the subject of charity, or anything else financial for that matter since he won’t disclose his financials…he’s going to have, as Mr. Plunkett makes pretty crystal-clear above, trouble living it down.
And it could be about to get worse for McInnis: we’ve been hearing rumors of much more in the way of records that McInnis doesn’t want to see the light of day, forthcoming disclosures (and fights over disclosure) that could make this business about tax returns seem like small potatoes.
Liberal activist group Progress Now sent out a press release today demanding new information from McInnis in addition to his tax returns (full text follows)–lists of lobbying clients, board memberships, and divorce records from McInnis’ first marriage that Progress Now claims have been sealed. We’ve separately heard rumors about these sealed divorce files (the same Denver Post successfully sued gubernatorial candidate Bruce Benson in 1994 for his), as well as some new alleged specifics about McInnis’ past roles on corporate and “nonprofit” boards that, if corroboration surfaces, could be extremely damaging–remember we told you these were lurking, because it looks there’s no good will left to slow them; certainly not at the Denver Post. When McInnis said that he’d “take a beating” if he cooperated with the media’s requests, he should have considered how much worse the “beating” will be if he doesn’t.
Demand for full and immediate disclosure by Scott McInnis
Why the pattern of cover-up? Why would McInnis “take a beating” by disclosing tax returns?For Immediate Release: Monday, April 26, 2010
Contact: Bobby Clark, Executive Director, at 303-905-8375Denver – In response to continuing refusals by former Rep. Scott McInnis–who has made millions as a lawyer-lobbyist–to release financial and other information requested by the media, ProgressNow Colorado, the state’s largest online progressive advocacy organization, demanded that McInnis immediately disclose the information he is concealing from the voters of Colorado.
Coloradans have a right to full and immediate disclosure of everything Scott McInnis is hiding, including:
* Tax returns for the same time period that his Democratic opponent already has disclosed — on April 15th on KCOL radio in Loveland McInnis admitted that he did not want to disclose his returns because he would “take a beating”, which highlights the critical importance of full and immediate disclosure
* McInnis’ divorce records that, in a highly unusual move, have apparently been sealed–in 1994, The Denver Post and KUSA-TV successfully sued to unseal then-gubernatorial candidate Bruce Benson’s divorce records
* List of all of McInnis’ lobbying clients and board memberships and compensation, both corporate and nonprofit, past and present, including his time in Congress
* Records of charitable giving, from both personal funds and from his leftover congressional campaign funds“McInnis is thumbing his nose at The Post’s routine request for basic financial disclosures, and on behalf of our network members and all Colorado voters we demand that McInnis come clean immediately,” said ProgressNow Colorado Executive Director Bobby Clark. “McInnis’ admission on a conservative radio program that he won’t disclose because he would ‘take a beating’ is stunning and only highlights the critical need for complete and immediate disclosure of his financial ties as well as everything else he is hiding.”
In a column today, Post editorial board member Chuck Plunkett blasts McInnis’ continuing refusal to disclose his financial information “as almost every candidate for the office has done for years,” highlighting a radio interview from last year where McInnis angrily challenged hosts to “match my contributions to the community.” McInnis’ failure to disclose his finances makes ‘matching’ his charitable contributions impossible.
Plunkett further notes, “Voters have to wonder . . . did the lawmaker make his millions from sweetheart deals and political payback?”
“Only by releasing this information, as is routinely expected of any candidate for higher office, can McInnis prove that he can be trusted by the people of Colorado to represent them and not his longtime corporate lobbying clients,” continued ProgressNow’s Bobby Clark. “How can the voters be expected to make an informed decision when one side is concealing so much? It’s time for McInnis to come clean with the people of Colorado, or be compelled by public opinion to do so.”
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recalcitrance.
Clearly Mcinnis does not think ANYONE much less some Journalist is in a position of authority over him…
Yet if he wants to be governor he had…
wait.
McInnis, keep it up your stubbornness/obtuse aversion to reality, will get you elected!!!
you go there Mc-lobbyist!
$40,000 to his wife from campaign funds – after he announced he was not running again.
I’ve heard there’s more than just a divorce out there in “disappeared” court file land too, but I’d hate to spoil a reporter’s scoop!
Give it up, asshole.
I know you’re sad, and I’m sad for you.
I mean this with all sincerity–were you dropped on your head as a child?
That is going to leave a mark on Scotty.
I’m pretty sure Ellie will find a way to blame Hickenlooper for this unfair media attention on old Ironsides. Heck Hick released 20 years of returns according to the article
Has Maes disclosed his tax returns? What happens is Maes bucks the code of Republicans and does something that would be construed to be transparent and accountable? Ouch!
so much to charity on an income most people wouldn’t have thought was enough to do more than scrape by. I’m sure he had the forethought to be so damned giving all those years ago and to keep it up right up until the present just so he could make Scott McInnis look bad today. Heck he’s probably still giving serious money away to charity, the little goody two shoes. Have at him, Ellie.
Couldn’t get the tax returns, so now it’s on to Scott’s personal life is it?
This is why America rejects Dhimmicrats. I hope you can sleep at night. What about Bill Clinton’s secret files???
Here it is again —
How many Scotty/Nathan Thurm parallels can you spot ?
One of the two named there will be a U.S. Senator next year, and the joke will be on you
A little too much dungeons and dragons for our resident basement warrior ?
I heard he found the Magic Sword of Liberal Banishment down on level 3 of the evil wizard Wadham’s secret c4 lair.
Wouldn’t it have been easier for McInnis to just release his tax forms? Or is it really that bad that he has to work so hard to keep them quiet?
At this point, the story has become “What do you have to hide?” McInnis did that to himself.
Liberal media smear merchants.
Learn to use them. They help to make points.
While it’s true that a bunch of phrases pasted randomly together CAN sometimes make a coherent thought, you shouldn’t expect that to always work. It’s always better to use GRAMMAR, like big boys do.
I mean honestly … are you even TRYING? 😀
No Republican would ever admit to getting an A, or think getting an A was socially acceptable in any way.
Don’t cha Know.
also You know you have a looser when he “shoots” himself in the foot/mouth on a FRIENDLY radio show.
Lets see your tax returns Mcinnis! show us we are full of shit.
(or is it you?)
Funny me, I thought we controlled the state and federal executive and legislative branches.
Bill Clinton’s running for governor of Colorado?
in GOPfantasizer’s made-up world of unreality, where the last three elections in Colorado never happened and the last two national elections are just the figment of those damned lib’ruls’ imaginations. You really should visit sometime.
There’s my sig line again!!
It’s touching, really.
Considering my opinion is about as valuable as a cup of coffee, it really is touching how much stock you put in it.
I know daddy’s getting me a pony for Christmas.
I know daddy’s getting me a pony for Christmas.
My pony is going to be the bestest pony ever and I’m never going to have to clean up after because it is going to be a magical pony.
My daddy is getting me a magic pony.
My daddy is getting me a magic pony.
Maybe you should less concerned about your mighty victory in November and maybe, just maybe a tab bit more focused on how to solve some of our common problems. How about working with Democrats on Financial Reform instead of always getting screwed by the big financial institutions?
Who are we kidding though. You wouldn’t know how to unlock a door if you were holding the key.
Republicans have no solutions so all they can do is brag about what bad asses they are going to be sometime in the future. It reminds me of Brian Griese predicting how victorious the Broncos would be after John Elway because he was their new quarterback. You’re the Brian Griese of blogging.
He deserves what he gets.
The moment one announces one is running for any elected office, one becomes a public figure. And, there are a lot of people interested in your life and it is not for your good looks.
The easiest and fastest way to have questions raised is to decline to answer a question. Especially if it involves where you get your money from and who you give it to.
The easiest and fastest way to get good media coverage is to make sure the reporter has a good story. The good story for a reporter is not always the same good story you want told.
I am now convinced that McInnis is not releasing the paperwork because he fears the general public knowing anything, he is not releasing the paperwork because he is afraid of what Wadhams and the RNC will find out about him.
More than one marriage? A few extra children? Contributing to the DNC? Supporting homeless LGBT children? Income from the Save the Whales people? Travel to Iran to fight the nuke? (no nukes no Neo-Con blow up Iran meme)
Again, what he is hiding has to be spectacular!
It’s been a long time since we’ve heard the old “But look at Clinton” defense! Takes me back to the good ol’ days of the eight Bush administration fiasco, during which everything bad (meaning pretty much everything period) was Clinton’s fault.
I’ll be honest, I have always hated this type of “he won’t disclose so what is he hiding” press release. Both sides do it and it always annoys the hell out of me.
There is nothing (to my knowledge) that says he has to release his papers (yes, I know it is common practice btw) but if this were a democrat that didn’t want to release their papers I’d be just as annoyed if a republican sent out some “we demand” press release.
I’m all for playing political cards to weaken an opponent, but only when there’s something there. These “What are they hiding” releases just get old.
match anybody’s record on charitable giving. That kind of requires disclosure. And it’s not his opponent who is asking but the media asking all of them. This is McInnis shooting himself in the foot again. He’s doing this to himself, no help from opponents required. And from what has been disclosed about Hick’s charitable giving, I don’t honestly know who could match that, percentage-wise. Mother Teresa?
If you do not want your life to be public, don’t run for public office.
Any candidate for public office should view these disclosure requests as an integral part of being a candidate.
Democrats didn’t do anything in relation to this story. Their candidate went over and beyond the minimum in terms of transparency.
The fact that McInnis who is a lawyer/lobbyist and is defensive about how he made his millions doesn’t make this a Democratic gotcha trap. The dude bragged about what a generous guy he on public radio and then makes it impossible to verify his claims.
You can be mad at the media for highlighting this hypocrisy but it was your candidate who started the ball rolling with his phony bravado.
I never said he was my candidate. Don’t assume, you know what it does to you. ; )
As I said, these type of releases come from both sides of the aisle and they’re just as annoying from either.
I suppose what I was trying to say (I probably could have done a better job) was not so much whether McGinnis deserves it, but that the overuse of it in the political arena is annoying.
I mean hell, where has all the civility in politics gone? ; )
1) It’s McInnis
2) Civility in politics? You might start with Newt Gingrich’s 1996 GOPAC memo.
But anytime a candidate claims to be more pure than others, he/she is opening him/herself to close inspection. Remember the Gary Hart Monkey Business?
My apologies to you GFB for assuming that you are happy to have McInnis as your chosen one. I would disavow such allegiance myself given his dismal demeanor.
It is hard to take your question seriously regarding the civility in politics when it is obvious that the hard right crazies like Glenn Beck are going on national TV every single night and preaching hatred for Obama and liberals. The Post is hardly a mouthpiece for liberals and the mere fact that it publishes an article pointing out McInnis’ hypocrisy hardly qualifies it as gutter journalism.
For my cursing. I hadn’t had dinner, was grumpy to begin with and so when you assumed I was a McInnis supporter (I spelled it right this time, yeah!) I guess I got my panties in a ruffle. So I apologize.
Again, my point isn’t about McInnis so much as it is hating political cheap shots just for gain.
And regarding civility in politics, I had assumed when I put the 😉 at the end of the sentence people would get the joke…but then again, we know what happens when one assumes. 😉
Any comment at any time can be taken out of context and extrapolated to portray anything anyone wants.
That said, I apologize for being a knee jerk jerk. In my nature to behave rudely with a keyboard it is.
My observation on the lack of civility in politics is that Republicans are bankrupt in terms of creative and innovative solutions to our current problems so they have to resort to personality destruction to win races. They have to make the other guy the evil Hitler who performs abortions with a spoon so they can be seen as the good guys in white hats who will protect the people. They hope that they can heap enough evil on the other guy that no one notices their same old tired solutions of Reaganomics and divisive social issues.
This is why this is a freak out moment for Republicans because they are up against someone who by and large id a likable guy and their usual candidate demonizing (Boulder liberal) formulas don’t work. To make matters worse they have to defend a millionaire lawyer lobbyist who has a bitter public persona. This election is supposed to be a big cake walk for Republicans even though they have nothing new to offer and to see it slipping away on personalities is an “Oh My God do something nasty quick” moment.
I would expect to see some really insane vitriol come out about Hickenlooper so don’t be surprised when Hick gets accused of roasted puppies on his barbecue. I wish it wasn’t so but you are dealing with people who have forgotten how to solve problems. All they can do is manipulate the fears of others.
They want to inspire class jealousy because Scott is successful. They want to smear his personal life because he has been through a divorce. They even want to emasculate the fact that he is a good hunter!
Bleatings of losers
Nobody asked your sorry ass you sorry piece of shit.
…now what was i saying about civility? ; )
And Hickenlooper isn’t? Once again, GOP, your guy is completely responsible for bringing this on himself. He was out there aggressively bragging. This is like Hart daring the press to catch him with his mistress; entirely self-inflicted. And who is “they”? This didn’t come from Dems in general or from opponent Hickenlooper who, incidentally, could legitimately brag about his charitable giving but never has.
I’ll agree about class jealousy, though. If I were a McInnis supporter I’d certainly be jealous of Hickenlooper’s obvious hands down advantage in the class department!
I regret that people have to give up every vestige of privacy to run for office.
When I was ready to file my paperwork I lay awake all night because I knew that once I did file there was nothing about me that would not be a subject of the media. Obviously I took the public figure path. And, everything about me is out there, including a lot that is covered by the Creative Writing 401 that some reports take in reporter school.
That’s what I’m getting from his 1:30 interview segment–that and the fact that he has turned what should be a non issue into a week straight of bad press. I wonder when he’ll be hiring Penry to save his campaign.
of at least a part of his problem – his recent income is probably going to look stunning to the average American, but his donations to charitable organizations is going to look very slim. He hints that maybe there’s something to Lori’s church, but he sure doesn’t hint at much else. Come on, Scott, gather up a bag of clothes and take it to Goodwill once in a while!
Elk is very tasty you vegan statists. Do you know how much an elk’s worth of meat costs??
You’re a parody account. Good job!
If you were a needy family you would appreciate the gift Scott described. No parody, pajama boy.
See, you’re even denying you’re a parody account the way a really artful parody account would. I’ve gotta say, you get the “unhinged crazy” just right. Is this really Michael Huttner?
I heard everyone on this blog is actually Michael Huttner spanking his monkey, that’s why you all agree like drones. I’m fake, just like the Tea Party and anger of Americans. You go on thinking that.
Nancy Baldwin?
Michael Dorsett?
When one joke gets old, we persevere. Comedy finds a way.
Although I think the joke would be funnier if GOPwarrior [grrrraaaahhh] posted more consistently.
As it is, there’s a whole lot of “Look at me I’m so brave I’m in the liberal lion’s den run away run away run away” [three weeks later] “Hey look at me I’m so brave!”
She/he/it was one crazy mofo.
Expect her Sybil sibling to start making appearances anytime.
I liked your psychoanalysis or our Republican Daniel. He is all brag about how amazing he is to actually deign to mix it up with liberals. Come to think of it that is pretty brave for a Republican to actually have contact with liberals. He might have problems back at the militia clubhouse because he is now going to be suspect of having his mind polluted by reasoned arguments. His fellow traitors shouldn’t worry. This is one mind that will never be open to pragmatic solutions.
…could someone figure out how many elk it would take to equal Hick’s 2.8M in contributions?
I love dork references.
Elk meat is expensive when purchased and I don’t think the costs of the hunt should be included since he paid his $50 and got to enjoy the hunt.
Live weight of an elk say 500lbs for a cow. Hanging weight 300 pounds. You can buy elk at $4.50per/lb hanging. Say $1350.
Which gives you 2,074 elk in the GOP barter economic system.
It’s double that where I live.
Are you comparing it to processed meat retail? I’ve never bought elk (had a few butchered), so I just pulled it off the internet.
http://www.rosseposseacres.com…
for an MRI or a colonoscopy, if your doctor was willing!
You bring together Republican stupid from all across the country into one pithy sentence. A work of art if there ever is one in this world of words.
You bring together Republican stupid from all across the country into one pithy sentence. A work of art if there ever is one in this world of words.
Also, lets check with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to see if Mr. McInnis has a hunting license and and see if he has taken the hunter safety course. Just want to verify the facts. Is there anything wrong with that?
To look at, and to eat. Mostly I like to know they are out there. When was the last time you pulled an elk permit?
I understand that if you are stupid then it is hard to argue without imagining silly caricatures with which you can ‘do battle’ one-armed with your spitballs (pretending they are RPGs), dressed in your camo PJs.
And, while that often seems the case with many Republicans (arguing against ‘socialist’ and ‘statist’ strawmen while their hands are out begging for government largess to lavish on their corporate enablers) you, little basementwarrior, are a gem.
You make most Republicans look brilliant, thus providing an invaluable service to the party.
400/450 nitro copper solid bullet- $6.50
Shaving off your hunter-stache- $400
(you can see where this is going so everyone fill in your own priceless…lets make it fun)
Getting your ass handed to you in November.. priceless.
But it’s:
Hiring a consultant to tell you to shave off your hunter-stache: $487
either way, if that’s the going rate I think this summer I’m going to moonlight as a political stylist. I’ve seen what they wear… it’s a tragedy 😐
to tell the men to shave off their mustaches. $150 — and a bargain at that!
and I’ll throw in free makeup tips for Evie.
Especially in politics!
McInnis isn’t showing us what normal candidates show us, so he might be hiding something.
If you’re completely against McInnis (like Progress Now) it’s easy to change the “might be” to “is obviously” then all you have to do is say it enough until people start believing it.
McInnis isn’t going to win any friends or votes by being stingy with his information.
Dr. Hasan and his family are very well respected. His son is even running for state treasurer. But, those in tight GOP circles knows there is no love loss between the Hasans’ and Scott McInnis.
For several reasons, 1) McInnis failed to do the work he promised to do while working for the Hasan Family Foundation. Instead, took the money and ran. 2) He promised Ali an endorsement when he ran for the state legislature and instead, McInnis, after promising, opted not to endorse.
Simply put, McInnis is wrong for Colorado.
Is pure bullshit coming from a millionaire lawyer-lobbyist.
Trying to sound all ignorant and folksy to play to the base is pure pandering.
Scottie will be droppin’ his Gs, just like a winnin’ candidate!
I think if you check the record McInnis has lied to himself so many times that he believes he contributed to charities.
But the problem is, according to FEC filings, Western Way PAC, created by McInnis, contributed to charities and other individuals, including Tom Delay. Problem here is: Western Way PAC’s money WASN’T McInnis’. It was the contributors to the PAC’s money.
So, yes, he can say he contributed to charities, but not with HIS MONEY!
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_1…
So, who did you give it to? The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation?
We realize you don’t want to disclose all the other stench in your tax returns, and hey, it’s a free country.
But you really don’t have any excuse to keep your charitable contributions – just that small part of your tax returns – private. Since YOU YOURSELF angrily challenged anyone else to match your sterling record of charitable contributions, it only stands to reason that we deserve to see your records at least in that small respect.
Do you think you could do that for us, hmmm? Or are they too embarrassing for you as well?
n/t
okay, t
what the fuck. this is the craziest thing i’ve ever heard in my entire life. first “look at my returns, i’m unmatched in charitable giving” then, “what, was i supposed to take a picture of the elk i shot and staple it to my 1040?”
this guy is a fucking clown, an unbelievable joke. Hick’s gonna knock this chump out in the first round.
Most hunters I know can tell you not only that, but more specifically what the day was like, what draw they were in etc. when they bag a bull (unless Scotty was shootin’ at cows).
Now if he can’t recall where he gives his money exactly this might be a stretch. But I’d ask him:
He must really regret dropping out of the race now.
He keeps clearing the field for the wrong candidate.
According to the Post story today, McInnis said on C&S yesterday: “The contributions I give to personally are families in need. And I give to the Republican National Committee.”
Well, unlike elk meat, that’s something fairly easily checked. So I checked http://www.fec.gov, and there are no donations to the RNC listed by anybody from Colorado named McInnis. Now, it’s possible that McInnis gave an amount below the reporting threshold (I know that’s $200 for contributions for candidate committees; unsure of the requirements for party committees.) Even so, it would mean not much.
Does he really believe no one is going to follow up on anything he claims?
The Post didn’t check, apparently. I’m not really covering the governor’s race and didn’t pay much attention to this until I got a press release from the Colorado Democratic Party. I got curious about how much he’d given to the RNC because the CDP press release didn’t mention it, so I looked it up. As it turns out, it looks like the CDP didn’t bother to follow up, either.
And I can’t take that bet–I have bad luck. Had a horse all picked out for the Derby and he’s out as of last Sunday because of a leg injury.
Would be interesting if there was no elk, no contribution to the RNC (NOT a charity, of course), nothing to a church, no bags of clothes to Goodwill, nothing, just nothing. Or maybe he’s just lowering our expectations so that $100 to somebody will look good!
Maybe he just doesn’t believe in charity.