More Trouble For Giannoulias In IL-SEN? Dem Got $30K Tax Refund As Family Bank Collapsed

Illinois state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, the Democratic nominee in the state's hotly-contested Senate race, could have yet another political liability to deal with from the collapse of his family's bank: As a result of the financial loss, he has collected a tax refund of about $30,000, though he immediately indicated he would donate the money to charity.

Giannoulias lost $2.7 million as a result of the bank's failure, and was thus able to get a tax refund on the amount that had been withheld from his salary as state treasurer. His Republican opponent, Rep. Mark Kirk, quickly pounced on Friday: "Giannoulias wants to raise our taxes but doesn't pay any taxes himself."

When asked for comment by TPMDC, the Giannoulias camp turned the story right back to Kirk's own personal dirt, relating to his previous inaccurate statements about his military record. Giannoulias spokesman Matt McGrath told us: "It comes as no surprise given his record of mistruths, half-truths and untruths about his military record, but when he says Alexi wants to raise taxes, Congressman Kirk is lying. Again."

The TPM Poll Average gives Kirk a lead of 43.1%-38.4%.