Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire -- up for re-election -- has released three years worth of tax returns. Her Republican opponent Dino Rossi says he will not release his. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Tax returns can reveal potential conflicts of interest. As well as a candidate’s socio-economic status – how much a candidate makes and gives to charity.

Gregoire’s total income last year was $180,000. That’s according to income tax returns she provided to public radio.

Those figures include her base salary as governor plus about $30,000 in pensions and annuities.

During her first term as governor, Gregoire and her husband Mike have given between $5000 and $9000 annually to charity.

Rossi -- Gregoire’s challenger -- continues to turn down requests for his tax returns. Rossi says he’s complied with all financial disclosure laws.

Rossi’s filings with the Public Disclosure Commission indicate he makes at least $255,000 a year from real estate and publishing.