Tim Bridgewater (R-UT) signs the Taxpayer Protection Pledge

Washington, D.C. - Tim Bridgewater, a Republican vying for Utah's 2nd Congressional District seat, signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR). The Pledge commits signers to "oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses … and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates."

ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987. To date, President George W. Bush, 41 U.S. senators (including Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch), and 217 members of the U.S. House of Representatives (two of whom represent Utah) have signed the Pledge. Additionally, eight Governors and over 1,190 state legislators have signed the Pledge as well.

"America needs leaders who are committed to protecting taxpayers, and signing our Pledge demonstrates that kind of leadership," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.

"By signing the Pledge, Mr. Bridgewater demonstrates allegiance to hard-working taxpayers nationwide, as well as dedication to taxpayers in Utah. I applaud Mr. Bridgewater for the leadership and dedication he showed by signing the Pledge."

"I strongly encourage every candidate for federal and state elective office to sign the Pledge," Norquist continued.

Copies of the Pledge are available at www.atr.org or by calling (202) 785-0266.