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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: Christopher Butler ( cbutler@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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6/28/01

Mark Earley Signs Virginia Pledge
But What About Warner?  

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Republican candidate for Governor Mark Earley signed Americans for Tax Reform's Taxpayer Protection Pledge for the second time today, June 28, 2001.  Earley first signed ATR's Pledge as Attorney General on October 22, 1997. 

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) commends Mark Earley for his consistent dedication to sound principles.  By signing the Pledge first as Attorney General and again as a candidate for Governor, Earley solidified his commitment to Virginia taxpayers.  The Pledge that Earley signed as a candidate for Governor commits him to "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes." 

Mark Earley supports tax cuts, including full phase-out of the car-tax on time and on-target at 100 percent elimination next year.  He also supports cutting the food tax in Virginia, and has vowed to fight for a back-to-school sales tax holiday on merchandise such as school supplies and computers.  Mark believes that Virginia families benefit significantly by letting them keep more of what they earn. 

Earley's opponent in the race for Governor, Mark Warner, has not signed ATR's Taxpayer Protection Pledge.  Warner has not committed himself to eliminating the car tax next year, and he has embraced the support of those who advocate raising taxes on Virginia's hardworking families. 

Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, issued the following statement about Mark Earley's decision to sign the Pledge twice: "Mark Earley demonstrates a real commitment to Virginia taxpayers by signing the Pledge again.  His position is clear and consistent: Mark Earley believes that government has an obligation to return portions of any surplus to the people and he is committed to allowing Virginia taxpayers to decide for themselves where their hard-earned dollars are spent.  If Mark Warner is committed to the same principles, he should stop waffling on the car-tax cut and sign the Pledge as well."

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