PDF: Smith 1040 2008 PDF: Smith 1040 2009 PDF: Fleischmann 1040 2009 PDF: Gobble 1040 2009
Congressional candidate Robin Smith sold mutual funds worth $48,000 to raise money for family medical expenses, according to her tax returns.
While she and her husband reported earning $186,825 in 2009, attorney Chuck Fleischmann and his wife earned $398,746 during the same year, records show. Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble earned $72,560 in 2009, according to his tax return.
The three GOP candidates released their tax returns to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. No law requires candidates to release them.
They are among 11 Republicans, four Democrats and six independents vying for the open 3rd Congressional District seat.
The Times Free Press sent an e-mail to the majority of the candidates, including Democrats and independents, and only GOP candidates Smith, Fleischmann and Gobble sent their returns by press time Friday.
Responses to requests for 2009 tax returns from the following 3rd District candidates:* Alicia Mitchell, Democrat -- Said she would comply but had not responded by press time Friday* Grover Travillian, Republican -- Said he would release forms if he wins the Republican primary* Tommy Crangle, Republican -- Declined* Mio Kiah, Independent -- Declined* Mark Devol, Independent -- DeclinedDid not respond* Van Irion, Republican* Rick Kernea, Republican* Brenda Freeman Short, Democrat* Brent Davis Staton, Democrat* Note: In some cases not listed above, attempts to reach 3rd District candidates were unsuccessful. The Times Free Press invites any candidate to send IRS forms to dwhisenhunt@timesfreepress.com
Mrs. Smith, a Hixson health care consultant who has said she wants to repeal the recent federal health care reform law, said selling the mutual funds is the basis for her view that people should be able to have tax-free medical savings accounts.
"I think health savings accounts and consumer patient advocacy is the way to go," Mrs. Smith said. "It informs me that we need to have less and less government intervention."
Mrs. Smith and her husband, Scott, reported $197,909 in adjusted gross income in 2008. Mr. Smith is a director of sales at Steward Advanced Materials. Mrs. Smith provided the most documentation of the three candidates who responded.
Jordan Powell, a spokesman for Mr. Fleischmann, said the campaign feels "comfortable" with its level of disclosure.
"We've gone above and beyond what the law required," Mr. Powell said.
In addition to a combined adjusted gross income of $398,746 in 2009, Mr. Fleischmann and his wife, Brenda, also reported a $3,000 capital gains loss, which Mr. Powell described as an investment.
"(Mr. Fleischmann) had some investment years ago he had to pay off in installments," Mr. Powell said.
Mrs. Smith's campaign had raised the issue of Mr. Fleischmann's putting $544,000 of his own money in the race. Mr. Powell said Mr. Fleischmann's income does not do anything to bolster that argument.
"I think Chuck has made a significant personal investment in the campaign because he feels strongly with the direction the country needs to go," Mr. Powell said. "He decided to put a big personal stake of his own in the campaign."
Mr. Gobble said he had no additional forms to report.
Along with his wife, Christie, he reported around $72,000 in income. He said his wife runs a small Internet travel business and cleans houses, which he reported as $2,214 in business income.
"I'm not a wealthy person. I didn't see any harm in providing (the tax returns)," Mr. Gobble said. "It lets people know this is an average, everyday working person you can send to Congress."