U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene has yet to release tax returns

Unlike his U.S. Senate rivals, Democrat Jeff Greene -- who reaped millions off the subprime mortgage market that helped wreck Florida's economy -- is not releasing his tax returns.

His chief opponent in the Aug. 24 Democratic primary, U.S Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami, posted his returns two weeks ago, along with a personal financial disclosure form required for Senate candidates. Greene's form was due Tuesday but he has received an extension until July 23, campaign spokesman Paul Blank said.

``We're going to fulfill every requirement under the law,'' Blank said. ``If tax returns are not required, then no.''

It's become standard practice for high-profile statewide candidates in Florida to release their tax returns.

``Jeff Greene is trying to buy a Senate seat with his ill-gotten gains and is failing the transparency test,'' Meek spokesman Adam Sharon said. ``If Greene won't release his taxes, what else is he trying to hide?''

Republican Marco Rubio and Gov. Charlie Crist, who is running as an independent, have released their tax returns and filed the financial disclosure report. The report asks Senate candidates to disclose sources of earned income, assign approximate values to their assets and to report liabilities, except for home mortgages.

Forbes magazine estimated Greene's net worth last year at $1.25 billion. The real estate tycoon invested in ``credit default swaps'' that amounted to insurance against bundles of risky subprime mortgages.

Greene moved to Florida only two years ago and has been spending his own money rapidly to raise his profile among Democratic voters. He was previously registered to vote in California without a party affiliation.

U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene puts insiders on notice