Political pundit Ed Rollins pummeled by debt
The architect of President Reagan's landslide 1984 re-election campaign, heavyweight CNN political consultant Ed Rollins, owes more than $1.33 million in state and federal taxes, records show.
Rollins, 66, who has served in the administrations of four presidents, is a senior political contributor for CNN and senior fellow at Hofstra University's Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency.
He also served as national campaign chairman for Mike Huckabee's presidential run last year.
What's owed:
- The IRS filed an $87,623 lien against Rollins on Sept. 10 in the New York City Register's office.
- The IRS filed a $47,518 lien on July 29 in New York City.
- The state of New York filed a $42,068 tax warrant on July 26 in the New York County Clerk's office.
- The IRS filed a $13,567 lien on May 21 in the Westchester County (NY) Clerk's office.
- The IRS filed a $977,458 lien on March 11 in New York City.
- The state of Oklahoma filed a $21,622 tax warrant on Jan. 18, 2008, in the Oklahoma County Clerk's office.
- The state of New York filed a $127,391 tax warrant on Dec. 17, 2007, in Westchester County.
- The state of Oklahoma filed a $13,492 tax warrant on June 10, 2005, in Oklahoma County.
His side:
In an interview today, Rollins said he has arranged a payment plan with the IRS and has paid a substantial portion of those liens. He said the New York state tax debt has been paid.
He disputes the Oklahoma liens because he says he never worked in the state, though he did work for a company based there.
"I don't want to dismiss or discount," the debt, Rollins said. "It's been a serious problem, I've been delinquent and the bottom line is I am getting it resolved.
"It's a long story; people not paying their bills," he added. "In the political business, often times you don't get paid. I had a few rough years and got behind."
