Fla. Republican Senate candidate Rubio’s income grew as his power waxed in House, records show

Fla. GOP Senate hopeful’s income grew with power

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tax returns from Florida Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio show that his income grew along with his power in the state House.

He was elected to the House in January 2000 and earned almost $83,000 that year. In 2005, when he was selected as House speaker designate, he earned about $330,000.

In 2008, Rubio’s final year as speaker, he earned almost $400,000. Most of that was from practicing law.

Rubio released tax returns Friday to The Associated Press dating from 2000 until 2008. His campaign said he requested an extension on his 2009 tax return and plans to release it later.

Rubio faces a three-way race in November after his lead ahead of the GOP primary prompted Gov. Charlie Crist to declare himself an independent. Kendrick Meek is the likely Democratic nominee.