Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum released four years of federal income tax returns on Wednesday night, showing a sharp rise in his personal wealth spurred by his growing work as Washington-based corporate consultant and media commentator. 
 
 Santorum's returns show that his federal income taxes rose from 2007, when he paid $167,000, to $310,000 in 2009, then dropped to $263,000 in 2010. During that same period, his annual income surged from nearly $660,000 in 2007 to $1.1 million in 2009 before slipping to $923,000 in 2010. 
 
 Santorum, 53, has sold himself in the Republican primaries as both a Washington outsider and a social conservative, stressing his family's coal-mining background and his appeal to religious and working-class voters. His personal finances tell a different story, detailing the trajectory of a politician who grew more prosperous in the Senate and became a millionaire afterwards, at times capitalizing on his Beltway connections. 
 
 His 2010 tax returns show he made more than $550,000 in media and consulting fees _ paid to him through a corporation he set up, Excelsior LLC. The previous year, Santorum made more than $820,000 in fees, also paid through the same firm. 
 
 Santorum's wealth doesn't come close to the multimillion-dollar fortune amassed by Mitt Romney's high-finance prowess or Newt Gingrich's smaller but still-lucrative blend of foundation and consulting work. But his newfound affluence reflects his close ties to Washington's business and lobbying circles during his 12 years in the Senate and his smooth transition into their world after he left office. 
 
 Both Romney and Gingrich recently disclosed income tax returns. 
 
 Last year, the former Pennsylvania senator disclosed investment and real estate assets totaling as much as $2.5 million. In his presidential financial disclosure spanning 18 months between 2010 and 2011, Santorum also listed $1.3 million in income as a consultant _ much of it coming from media appearances and corporate work on behalf of health care, energy and social conservative interests. 
 
 Rising to GOP leadership in the Senate as Republican Conference chairman, Santorum pushed to expand the influence of Republican-leaning business interests. As conference chairman, he headed GOP Senate communications efforts and met regularly with GOP-leaning business and lobbying figures. He raised more than $550,000 from lobbyists during his unsuccessful 2006 Senate re-election campaign. 
 
 After his Senate defeat, Santorum did not register as a lobbyist, but he aided corporate and other interests as a consultant. He was paid $142,500 by Consol Energy, a Pennsylvania-based energy firm with numerous Appalachian coal mines. The firm has lobbied against Obama administration efforts to tighten limits on greenhouse gas emissions. 
 
 Santorum also was paid $65,000 by the American Continental Group, a D.C. lobbying firm with an assortment of corporate clients, and $125,000 by the Clapham Group, a Virginia firm that aids religious rights organizations. He benefitted from media work, paid $230,000 for appearances on Fox News, as well as more than $80,000 for stints as a radio commentator. 
 
 Santorum was also paid nearly $400,000 in compensation and stock options as a board director at Universal Health Services, a hospital management firm, after he left the Senate in 2006. He also owns up to $250,000 in Universal stock. As a senator, Santorum had sponsored several unsuccessful bills that would have secured more Medicaid funding hospitals run by Universal and other medical firms in Puerto Rico. 
 
 Santorum also owns five rental properties in State College, Pa., worth $500,000 and $11.25 million, but also with as much as $750,000 in mortgage debt, according to his presidential disclosure. His taxes show that he took mortgage and depreciation deductions on those properties, and also that he sold more than $23,000 worth of stocks in 2010. 
 
 Santorum and his wife, Karen, took standard deductions each year for their five children, the returns show. In 2007, the Santorums took a $4,000 charity deduction for giving away "clothing, footwear, accessories and household items." That year, the family moved into a larger home in the Virginia suburbs of Washington. 
 
 Santorum and his family now live in a four-bedroom northern Virginia house on five acres assessed at $1.4 million in 2010. 
 
 The tax returns were first made available Wednesday night by Politico. ||||| Rick Santorum said they would come this week, and here are four years worth of his taxes, from years 2007 through 2010. 
 
 They can be found here, here, here and here. The returns are the most in number that have been released by any of the major GOP contenders - Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney didn't release several years' worth. 
 
 Santorum and his wife Karen filed joint returns for all four years. As you'll see from the returns, the Santorums' adjusted gross income went from about $659,000 in 2007, his first year out of the Senate, to $952,000 in 2008, to $1.1 million in 2009 and about $923,000 in 2010. 
 
 They paid about $167,000 in taxes in 2007, about $262,000 in 2008, $310,000 in 2009, and $263,000 in 2010. 
 
 There is depreciation on a condo property over the various years. The Santorums' charitable giving was a small percentage of his income each year. 
 
 In 2010, the couple reported some modest gains and losses from sales of Brandywine and United Health Services shares. Santorum had served on the UHS board until he declared his presidential campaign. And in 2008, they bought an Audi A6, which was claimed as a depreciated business expense. 
 
 UPDATE: And I was remiss in failing to mention that the Santorums claim several of their seven kids as dependants, a reminder of why their household income doesn't stretch perhaps as far as they'd like, although it's still a sizable annual income. However, the Santorums reported far less than either Gingrich or Romney in income - Romney in 2010 reported $21.7 million in income, while Gingrich and his wife had an adjusted gross income of over $3.1 million for the same year. 
 
 Also, their tax rate appears to be close to 29 percent in the highest-earning years, and closer to 25 percent for the lower ones. Romney made headlines when he said his effective rate was about 15 percent, which is being paid on income that is not wages, but from investments. 
 
 The Santorums' returns indicate they were self-prepared. 
 
 UPDATE II: Via POLITICO's Juana Summers, Santorum had this to say about his taxes tonight in North Dakota: ||||| NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Welcome to what may be the most important Republican debate yet, as Mitt Romney tries to hold off Newt Gingrich in the South Carolina primary. Rick Santorum and Ron Paul are also looking to make noise in Saturday's vote. 
 
 Some highlights: 
 
 9:51 p.m. 
 
 The candidates are asked to make their case for the state of South Carolina. 
 
 Ron Paul says he'll fight for people's liberty and freedom, while reducing government debt and spending. 
 
 Newt Gingrich says he can bring "dramatic" and "deep" change to Washington, and he can beat President Obama through debates. He calls the incumbent "the most dangerous president of our lifetime." 
 
 Mitt Romney touts his understanding of the country's values, and says "this president is changing the very nature of America." 
 
 Rick Santorum says he is "a conviction conservative" who will make "a clear contrast" with Obama. He tells Republicans not to "settle for a moderate" (Hello, Mitt). 
 
 9:43 p.m. 
 
 Ron Paul, the doctor, also weighs in on abortion. He says it's as much of an issue of morality as of law. Rick Santorum notes that Paul has often voted against the pro-life position. 
 
 Paul says he wasn't thinking of Santorum when he spoke of abortion policy and tells him: "You are overly sensitive." 
 
 9:36 p.m. 
 
 Abortion comes up. Newt Gingrich says he accepts Mitt Romney's statement that he has changed his mind and now opposes abortion rights -- but his health care plan in Massachusetts had abortion provisions and some of his judges were pro-abortion rights. 
 
 Romney says he doesn't appreciate having his integrity questioned and that Gingrich has distorted "Romneycare" and other aspects of his record in Massachusetts. "I am a pro-life person," he says, and will pursue policies to protect the unborn when he is president. 
 
 Rick Santorum piles on Romney, charging Romney's health care plan allowed for abortions. 
 
 Romney notes he was pro-life in a state where "that wasn't easy." Tells Santorum, "I appreciate your record; I hope you appreciate mine." 
 
 9:35 p.m. 
 
 Newt Gingrich says when he is president that he will drop Justice Department lawsuits against states that have their own anti-immigration laws. 
 
 9:25 p.m. 
 
 An audience member asks the candidates whether they support "amnesty" for illegal immigrants. 
 
 Newt Gingrich says he would send more troops to the border and would quicken the pace of deportations, but he also supports a "guest worker" program for people who have been in the U.S. for a long time. He says illegal immigrants would have to apply and prove they have strong community ties. 
 
 Mitt Romney says "you build a fence" with more troops on the border and sanction employers who hire illegal immigrants; says current illegal immigrants, even those who have been here a long time, should go back to their countries and re-apply for residency in the U.S. 
 
 Rick Santorum notes that Romney once backed "a pathway to citizenship," just as Gingrich does now. Santorum says illegal immigrants have broken the law, and shouldn't be rewarded for that. 
 
 9:21 p.m. 
 
 After a break, the candidates are asked their biggest regret. 
 
 Newt Gingrich says his biggest regret is spending the early months as a "traditional" candidate, rather than an "idea-oriented" one. 
 
 Mitt Romney wishes he had spent less time criticizing his opponents and more time on the "failures" of President Obama. Also: "I would work to get 25 more votes in Iowa. That's for sure." 
 
 Rick Santorum regrets nothing, saying he's honored to be in the "final four." 
 
 Ron Paul says he would work on his delivery. 
 
 9:11 p.m. 
 
 Newt Gingrich blasts new proposals for new Internet copyright restrictions, saying it amounts to censorship and is being pushed by "the left" in "Hollywood." 
 
 Mitt Romney agrees with Gingrich -- on Internet censorship at least. So does Ron Paul. Rick Santorum said the proposals in Congress do "go too far," but Internet piracy is a problem that needs to be addressed. 
 
 Romney says he has the same immigration views he did when he ran for president in 2008 and agrees with Santorum as well. 
 
 Ron Paul, who is from Texas, says "we're all against illegal immigration" but also says the U.S. should have "a more generous immigration policy." 
 
 9:08 p.m. 
 
 A colleague provides this update: Newt Gingrich paid $994,708 in taxes on $3,162,424 in adjusted income. That's about 31.6%. -- Mitt Romney said earlier this week that he pays about 15% because he has so much investment income. 
 
 9:06 p.m. 
 
 The candidates are asked about losing business to China. Rick Santorum suggests cutting the corporate tax and repealing Obama regulations. 
 
 9:03 p.m. 
 
 Mitt Romney is reminded that his father George Romney released 12 years of tax returns when he ran for president in 1968. Will he follow his family's example? 
 
 "Maybe," Romney says. "I don't know how many years I will release." It's a comment that draws hoots from some audience members. 
 
 Romney repeats: "I'm not going to apologize for being successful." 
 
 9 p.m. 
 
 An audience member asks the candidates: When are you going to release your taxes? 
 
 Mitt Romney says he will release his tax return when he completes it in April -- and "if" he is the nominee. Romney says the criticism of his refusal to release tax returns is an "attack" on his business success. 
 
 Gingrich notes he has released his tax returns in the past hour -- and that if Romney has a problem with his taxes, Republicans need to know before he clinches the nominee. 
 
 8:56 p.m. 
 
 Mitt Romney jumps into the Rick Santorum-Newt Gingrich kerfuffle, and says it illustrates that both are Washington veterans. He says it proves the need for an outsider in the White House, "someone who's lived in the real streets of America." 
 
 Romney also tells Gingrich he is exaggerating his accomplishments and that "you're mentioned once in Ronald Reagan's diary." 
 
 Gingrich tells Romney he prospered under policies he pursued. 
 
 Romney tells Gingrich -- speaker of the House for four years -- he was in business for 25 years. "You're not going to get credit for 25 years," he says. 
 
 8:49 p.m. 
 
 After a break, Rick Santorum is asked about Newt Gingrich's suggestion that Santorum exit the race so that conservatives can unite against Mitt Romney. 
 
 Not much, Santorum says: "Grandiosity has never been a problem with Newt." Noting that he beat Gingrich in Iowa and New Hampshire, Santorum says: "These are not cogent thoughts." 
 
 Gingrich says he'll be the president who can bring the most change, citing his experience in the Reagan years and the 1994 Republican takeover of Congress. 
 
 "You're right," he tells Santorum. "I think grandiose things." 
 
 Santorum tells Gingrich he served with him, and Gingrich lacked discipline -- and, reaching way back into history, also criticized Gingrich for ignoring the check bouncing scandal in the House. 
 
 Gingrich continues to trumpet his experience as "a rebel." 
 
 8:31 p.m. 
 
 An audience member triggers a long discussion with a brief question: Can "Obamacare" really be repealed? Really? 
 
 Mitt Romney says he can use executive orders to turn some health care responsibilities to the states, but that is only the first step of repeal; he would seek full repeal by proposing a better system. 
 
 Newt Gingrich says it can be repealed with a Republican president and GOP Congress, and says the health care system is "a total mess." He bashes the provision that allows children up to age 26 to stay on their parents' insurance, but he says that is needed because they can't find jobs in the Obama economy. 
 
 Rick Santorum -- who is running fourth in some South Carolina polls -- questions whether Romney can really repeal Obamacare because he instituted a similar heath care plan as governor of Massachusetts; he also bashes Gingrich for once backing a mandate that all Americans buy health insurance. Santorum says both foes played "footsies with the left" on this issue." 
 
 Romney says Santorum distorted details of his plan, and they go back-and-forth on various aspects of the Massachusetts health care plan. 
 
 Gingrich, also criticized by Santorum, says he finds it "mildly amazing" that his opponent doesn't think he can debate Obama on health care. Gingrich says he helped defeat "Hillarycare" during the Clinton years. He and Santorum go at it over the individual mandate that Gingrich once backed. 
 
 Ron Paul, upset after being left out of the discussion, notes that he is a physician. He also notes it will be hard to outright repeal Obamacare, but Congress can reduce its influence. Again says the key is less government. 
 
 8:24 p.m. 
 
 The candidates are asked about veterans unemployment. Ron Paul says the government should help everybody, but notes that veterans need special medical help. Rick Santorum says he backs preferences for veterans because they have sacrificed for the country, and blasts President Obama for military cuts. 
 
 Mitt Romney says states can also help veterans, and warns against expanding the federal government -- though he too blasts Obama for proposed military cuts, and starts talking defense policy. Newt Gingrich talks about the success of the GI Bill after World War II, and says the U.S. needs another "transition" system for veterans and improved economy for all Americans. 
 
 8:22 p.m. 
 
 Rick Santorum weighs in on jobs, saying too many government programs are actually hurting working people. He stresses the need to rebuild the manufacturing sector of the economy and draws applause by citing South Carolina's potential. 
 
 8:17 p.m. 
 
 Newt Gingrich is invited to specify his problems with Mitt Romney's work at Bain Capital. He says it strip-mined companies for their wealth and left them bankrupt, including two companies in South Carolina. 
 
 Romney ignores the Bain criticism and says he wants to talk jobs; he accuses President Obama of crony capitalism. Pressed by John King about Bain, Romney says his company built businesses, created some 100,000 jobs and practiced capitalism. "My view is that capitalism works," he says. He adds, "There's nothing wrong with making profits." He gets applause for both statements. 
 
 8:14 p.m. 
 
 The candidates are asked how to get people back to work. Ron Paul says government needs to "get out of the way," including lower taxes. Newt Gingrich calls for repealing new federal business regulations and more domestic energy development. 
 
 8:12 p.m. 
 
 John King asks the other candidates if Newt Gingrich's ex-wife's allegations are an issue. Rick Santorum says character is an issue; Mitt Romney says, "Let's get on with the real issues." Ron Paul complains about the media -- but also notes he's been married 54 years. 
 
 8:08 p.m. 
 
 Moderator John King gets right down to it, asking Newt Gingrich about his ex-wife's claims he once wanted an "open marriage." Gingrich says no, and tells King that he is "appalled" he would the open the debate with such a question. He also says the topic is "trash" and "is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine." King notes that ABC aired the report, and Gingrich yells back at him for repeating. Gingrich also says the story is "false" and reflects anti-Republican media bias -- all responses that get huge applause from the South Carolina crowd. 
 
 8:06 p.m. 
 
 The candidates introduce themselves. Rick Santorum cities his "delayed" win in Iowa; Mitt Romney cites his marriage of 42 years (hello, Newt?); Newt Gingrich stresses his Georgia roots; Ron Paul emphasizes his experience, and the fact he is the only veteran in the race. 
 
 8:00 p.m. 
 
 CNN is broadcasting tonight's debate and you know what that means: A long, over-produced opening segment, this one focusing on "the fight for the South." There's also a playing of the national anthem. 
 
 7:50 p.m. 
 
 The stage is set, after some last-minute changes; thanks to Rick Perry's departure today, there are only four lecterns: Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul.
– Rick Santorum has released four years of his tax returns to Politico, and they show that while his income falls a long way short of Mitt Romney's or Newt Gingrich's, his Washington connections have helped him prosper since leaving Congress. His income hit $1.1 million in 2009—up from nearly $660,000 in 2007—much of it coming from media appearances and consulting work on behalf of health care and energy interests, AP reports. It slipped to $923,000 in 2010. Santorum and his wife, Karen, appear to have paid a tax rate close to 30%—nearly double the rate Mitt Romney's tax returns revealed. Santorum—whose disclosure forms last year showed investment and real estate assets of up to $2.5 million—has now released more tax returns than either Romney or Gingrich. Ron Paul has not released his. "I don’t want to be embarrassed because I don’t have a greater income" than the other candidates, Paul quipped during a debate last month.