FIRST ON 3: McCrory says he won’t release personal financial information

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One of the first political rallies of the season in Wilmington got some Republicans fired up today. Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory brought his campaign for governor to the Port City. The Republican front-runner officially announced his candidacy earlier in the week.

Yesterday the NC Democratic Party questioned the money McCrory’s been making the last few years and calling on him to disclose his financial relationships and records. We asked McCrory about it during his visit to our studio this morning.

“It’s a sad commentary on the desperation that they have, but I’ll be releasing the same types of financial disclosures when the filing begins. It hasn’t even begun yet,” McCrory said.

McCrory said he’ll release the records the state requires.

“The same records that me and every Democrat have released during every election. The same records that Beverly Perdue released and others,” he said.

McCrory said he will not release personal financial information, including tax returns.

“No. That’s my private records,” McCrory said. “I wouldn’t ask you to release your records to be a newsperson either. Listen: I own a house, 2,600-square-foot house. My wife and I own two used cars. Both over 10 years old. They are paid for. I have a 401k, and I have no pension. I own no other land. I wish I had some land here in Wilmington and on Wrightsville Beach or something, but I don’t. That’s my wealth. That’s it. I’m not independently wealthy.”