Michelangelo Signorile
Editor-at-large, HuffPost Gay Voices

Surely one among many realities Mitt Romney hoped he could keep on the down low regarding his tax returns is how much tax-exempt money he donated to the Mormon Church.

As it turns out, he gave almost as much of the nearly $43 million dollars he made in 2010 and 2011 to the highly politically active Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -- at the center of a firestorm since 2008 for its backing of Prop 8 in California -- as he paid in taxes: roughly 10 percent vs. 13.9 percent.

It's not that anyone doubted Romney's donations to his church (Mormons in good standing are expected to give 10 percent of their income in tithing each year, approximately the amount Romney has donated), but the release of his 2010 tax return and 2011 estimated taxes shines a bright light on his strong commitment to the LDS church, something that exacerbates tensions on both the left and the right. He served as a bishop in the church, which helped open doors for him in business and which he's rewarded, as well, helping the church make millions of dollars, including through Bain Capital.

For evangelicals leaders, some of whom have been attacking him on the campaign trail, it's just another reminder that he is helping to further a church they see as a threat to traditional Christianity.

full story:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michelangelo-signorile/romney-millions-fuel-anti_b_1227959.html

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