Justin's Political Corner

One issue that won’t go away in Illinois’ 12th congressional race: taxes.

Democrats have blasted Republican lumber heir Jason Plummer for not releasing his tax returns. Now comes news that Plummer has paid property taxes late on his home in Edwardsville, which is outside the district he’s running to represent. Records show Plummer paid the taxes late for tax years 2011 and 2009, according to Madison County property records.

The taxes are about $5,500 per year, which Plummer has paid in installments. He was billed minimal penalties for the late payments, but has brought everything current.

Democrats say the issue demonstrates why Plummer should release his income tax returns, which he has declined.

Deb Detmers, a Plummer campaign operative, said the taxes “aren’t an issue” and stressed that Plummer has brought everything current.

Plummer, who is a multimillionaire according to a personal financial disclosure, also took an owner occupied exemption on the property, which means the house must be your primary residence. The house is outside of Illinois’ 12th district, which runs from parts of eastern Madison County to the Kentucky border. His campaign noted that the tax bill was for the past year. He moved to O’Fallon, Ill., which is in the district, in October of 2011. Plummer’s campaign said the house, in the 100 block of Knights Bridge Court in Edwardsville, is now up for sale.

h/t: Nick Pistor at STLtoday.com’s Political Fix