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

2/12/02

Jeb Hensarling Vows to Defend Taxpayer
Congressional Candidate Signs Pledge, Won't Raise Taxes

WASHINGTON -Jeb Hensarling sent the taxpayers of Texas' 5th district a clear message on February 8, 2002, by promising to "oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and businesses; and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates." Candidates running in Texas' 5th district were sent the pledge and Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) is pleased that Hensarling took the pledge, and by doing so, demonstrated his commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Grover Norquist, President of ATR, praised Hensarling's decision saying, "Texas' 5th district should be pleased by the fact that they have a candidate who demonstrates fiscal common sense. Candidates who sign the pledge, in essence, sign a contract with all taxpayers stating: you can keep more of what you have earned."

"On average, over 40% of every dollar earned in this country is taken in taxes by the government. This year, the taxpayers of Texas will work into late spring simply paying off their debt to national, state, and local governments. By signing the tax pledge, Hensarling is pledging to help solve the problems our country faces without further burdening American taxpayers," said Damon Ansell, Vice President of ATR.

"Signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge displays common sense that exists far too seldom among our legislators, those whom taxpayers trust to defend our best interests," said Ansell. "Jeb Hensarling has vowed to defend taxpayers' interests; One must worry about candidates who don't sign the pledge because these candidates have not made the same commitment to taxpayers," added Norquist.

Hensarling is attempting to succeed current US Congressman Pete Sessions, who is running in the newly created 32nd district. "We at ATR were worried about Texas' 5th district when current Representative Pete Sessions, a pledge signer, left the district. However, Jeb Hensarling has taken the same pledge of fiscal responsibility. We at ATR hope that other candidates will follow Hensarling's lead and also sign the pledge," added Norquist. Senator Phil Gramm, another tax pledge signer praised Hensarling saying, "Jeb is the kind of man Texas needs in Congress, and he is the kind of man who will build on my record of less government and more freedom."

Jeb Hensarling shares his commitment to defend taxpayers with over 1300 state legislators, 211 Members of Congress, 37 Senators, and President George W. Bush. ATR asks all candidates for state and federal office to sign the pledge.

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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.