Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s effective tax rate of 15%, less than the rate paid by middle class Americans, doesn’t seem to bother most Republican primary voters. 28% of registered voters who expect to vote in a GOP primary or caucus this year believe Romney pays “less than his fair share.” 14% believe he pays more than his share. Many think he pays the right amount.
But that relatively positive assessment isn’t shared by the public at large, nearly half of whom think Romney pays less than his share.
Republican voters agree that candidates should release their tax returns, something that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich did last week, and Romney did Monday night. At Monday’s debate, Romney defended his tax rate. Saying “I pay all the taxes that are legally required and not a dollar more,” Romney may have tried to appeal to the many tax-averse GOP voters.
More GOP voters think tax returns should be released than want to see candidates’ school and college grades, voter registration record, or passport records. Only criminal records are seen as important by more people.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can found here.
Photo source: Press Association
