If Democrat Jared Polis wants to continue pouring his own money into his effort to win the 2nd Congressional District seat, it shouldn’t be a problem.
The businessman, who has already given his campaign about $666,500, is likely to make $14 million this year. Of course, that’s only a fraction of the $96.5 million he made the year before, largely from the sale of his company , according to his campaign.
Between 2000 and 2005, Polis made a high of $23.5 million and took a $2.6 million loss.
Only three of his tax returns released last week showed the amount Polis gave to charity. His yearly donations ranged from less than 1 percent the year he made $23 million to 50 percent in 2001 when he reported $103,915 in income.
Polis’ opponents, conservationist Will Shafroth and former state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, also released their tax returns.
Shafroth and his wife, Erica, whose 2007 tax returns are not available yet, made $187,914 in 2006 and $180,244 the year before. From 2002 to 2004, they reported income anywhere from $137,333 to $208,813. Two percent or less of their income went to charity during those years.
Fitz-Gerald and her husband’s income was $73,184 in 2007 and $72,414 the year before. Between 2002 and 2005, the couple reported income ranging from $69,984 to $173,120. Less than 1 percent of their income was donated to charity.
The three Democrats are vying to replace Congressman Mark Udall, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
Karen Crummy: 303-954-1594 or kcrummy@denverpost.com
