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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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12/19/01

Pledge Signer wins special Congressional election
Wilson vows to defend interests of taxpayers

WASHINGTON-On Tuesday, December 18, 2001 voters in South Carolina re-affirmed that taxes are still the most important issues when it comes to political elections. In the special election to fill the late Rep. Floyd Spence's Congressional seat, voters overwhelmingly chose Joe Wilson over challenger Brent Weaver by a vote of 73 to 26 percent.

Wilson was the only candidate in the race to sign Americans for Tax Reform's Taxpayer Projection Pledge.

The pledge that Wilson signed promises that he will:

ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses; and
TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.

"Signing The Pledge is a simple demonstration of common sense. Moreover it's a commitment to the values of Americans who desire to live in freedom by having less Government," said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform.

Damon Ansell, Vice President of Policy at Americans for Tax Reform added, "I am grateful to the taxpayers of South Carolina who elected a Representative that will listen to them and not the special interests. The only way Government will shrink is by having more people like Wilson in Congress who will stand up and say 'no' to higher taxes."

Wilson's election brings the total number of pledge signers at the national level to 211 in the House of Representatives and 37 in the United States Senate and President George W. Bush.

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.