Ryan Sharing Just 2 Years of Tax Returns, Too

And defends plan to 'reform' Medicare
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 13, 2012 1:34 AM CDT
Updated Aug 13, 2012 7:55 AM CDT
Ryan Releasing Only 2 Years of Tax Returns
Paul Ryan reacts to audience applause during a campaign event in his home state of Wisconsin.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Following the example set by the man he hopes will become commander-in-chief, newly minted GOP runningmate Paul Ryan says he will also release just two years of tax returns. Ryan turned over "several" years of returns to the Romney camp during the vetting process, he said on 60 Minutes last night. But the men agreed he would only release two years' worth to follow Romney's lead. He dismissed calls from both parties for Romney to release more of his returns, saying voters aren't wondering about Romney's taxes, but about jobs. “I think these issues are more or less distractions to take us off the fact that the president has given us failed policies that are putting us deeper into debt," Ryan said, echoing Romney's typical response on the issue.

Ryan made his comments in the pair's first interview together since Romney announced his pick for vice president. The men denied that Ryan's support for Medicare cuts will be political suicide in states like Florida with large senior populations, as the Miami Herald warns. Romney characterized the plan as "saving Medicare" and "providing people greater choice." He emphasized that there would be "no changes" for current seniors, but for "young people down the road." Added Ryan: "My mom is a Medicare senior in Florida." He said Medicare must be "reformed" for younger people to preserve benefits for those collecting them now. (More Mitt Romney 2012 stories.)

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