Gibbons to release tax, investment information

Associated Press - November 19, 2009 6:05 PM ET

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons says he is releasing five years of tax returns and his current investment information to the media.

The Memphis prosecutor said in a release Thursday that the move underscores his dedication to government transparency.

Gibbons has lagged behind his main competitors in fundraising for the Republican gubernatorial primary. The other main candidates include Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Chattanooga and state Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville.

Campaign manager Mark Cate said Haslam will also release what he called "pertinent information" about his finances, but did not say when.

Wamp's campaign said it will release his information next week, and a Ramsey spokesman said he will make financial records public "over the course of this campaign."

Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen can't run again next year because of term limits.