California Requires Trump to Release Tax Returns for Spot on Primary Ballot

[Cow Poke]

California Requires Trump to Release Tax Returns for Spot on Primary Ballot

The land of fruits and nuts is at it again...

[Mountain Man]

I still can't figure out why everybody is so hot and bothered about personal tax returns. As best as I can tell, the general public really doesn't care.

[Cow Poke]

I still can't figure out why everybody is so hot and bothered about personal tax returns. As best as I can tell, the general public really doesn't care.

And, having been prepared by lawyers and accountants, do they really tell the actual truth?

[Jim B.]

I still can't figure out why everybody is so hot and bothered about personal tax returns. As best as I can tell, the general public really doesn't care.

People care because of potential conflicts of interest. Even if they didn't care, it would still matter, because of potential conflicts of interest. And because Trump is so desperately trying to hide his tax information.

[Sparko]

Since Trump is most likely running unopposed, he could just skip California. Would there even be a primary if he is running unopposed?

[KingsGambit]

Since Trump is most likely running unopposed, he could just skip California. Would there even be a primary if he is running unopposed?

Trump not being on the ballot would still hurt down-ballot Republicans by depressing conservative voter turnout.

[Raphael]

Since Trump is most likely running unopposed, he could just skip California. Would there even be a primary if he is running unopposed?

The next law change would then be, you have to have participated in and won the state primary in order to be on the list for the general election (or whatever you call it there)

[Sparko]

Trump not being on the ballot would still hurt down-ballot Republicans by depressing conservative voter turnout.

It wouldn't matter in the primary. And they could still vote in the actual election. In fact, California not letting Trump on the ballot without his tax returns might make them mad enough to turn out in force on Election day. And he could still campaign there.

[KingsGambit]

The next law change would then be, you have to have participated in and won the state primary in order to be on the list for the general election (or whatever you call it there)

From what I read this morning, the state legislature does not have that authority.

[seanD]

People care because of potential conflicts of interest. Even if they didn't care, it would still matter, because of potential conflicts of interest. And because Trump is so desperately trying to hide his tax information.

Congress is allowed to engage in insider trading, so what's new about politics and conflicts of interest?

[KingsGambit]

It wouldn't matter in the primary. And they could still vote in the actual election. In fact, California not letting Trump on the ballot without his tax returns might make them mad enough to turn out in force on Election day. And he could still campaign there.

It might matter if there are other ballot items on there during the primary election.

[firstfloor]

[Raphael]

So it's a means of protecting yourself from a non-existent threat? I.e. Vampires aren't real, and Trump isn't actually a threat to the USA

[Teallaura]

Trump not being on the ballot would still hurt down-ballot Republicans by depressing conservative voter turnout.

In the primary? Eh, yeah, I see your point - but I rather doubt California is going to win in the courts. California's law would have an national effect - which states don't get to do.

[Teallaura]

The next law change would then be, you have to have participated in and won the state primary in order to be on the list for the general election (or whatever you call it there)

Er, primaries decide the party's candidate - and this is already a requirement for major party candidates. I suppose a candidate could appear on the general election ballot (yep, that's what it's called) for a minor party or no party. It's so rare that I don't see how it matters - but I suspect it would not pass legal muster.