Obama releases 7 years of tax returns

The Obama family's newfound wealth -- they reported income of $1.65 million in 2005 and nearly $1 million in 2006 -- led the couple to contribute substantially more to charitable causes than they had before. Over two years, the couple gave $27,500 to Trinity United Church of Christ, where their former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., preached fiery and sometimes controversial sermons. The donation was part of $137,622 in charitable donations reported by the couple during the period.

In releasing his 2000 through 2006 returns, Obama continued to challenge Hillary Rodham Clinton to do the same. The "transparency" debate has been continuing between Clinton and Obama, whose finances are simpler and for the most part less controversial than the Clintons'. They made tens of millions of dollars in their book deals and former President Clinton's speaking and consulting fees since leaving the White House in 2001.

Obama has repeatedly touted his willingness to disclose his tax returns. And in the area of tax returns and federal earmarks, he has been more open than Clinton. But until Tuesday, he has provided only piecemeal release of the returns. Previously he had put his 2006 returns on the Internet but other years had been provided only occasionally to select reporters.

Clinton said Tuesday that she would soon release her post-White House tax returns.

"I am pleased that Sen. Obama has released his tax returns," Clinton said Tuesday while campaigning in Pennsylvania. "I think that's a good first step. Now he should release his records from being in the state Senate and any other information that the public and press need to know from his prior experience."

The returns released by Obama contained few big surprises, but did recall some noteworthy changes in the family's financial status through the years.

For example, Michelle Obama's salary at the University of Chicago Hospitals jumped almost threefold in the year after her husband was elected to the Senate. Her title changed from executive director for community affairs to vice president for community and external affairs -- and her salary jumped from $121,910 in 2004 to $316,962 in 2005, the tax returns show.