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

2/14/02

Thomas Benigno Vows to Defend Taxpayer
Congressional Candidate Signs Pledge; Won't Raise Taxes

WASHINGTON -Thomas Benigno sent the taxpayers of California's 11th district a clear message on February 5, 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 California's 11th district were sent the pledge and Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) is pleased that Benigno took the pledge, and by doing so, demonstrated his commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Grover Norquist, President of ATR, praised Benigno's decision saying, "California's 11th district should be pleased by the fact that Thomas Benigno 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 California will work into late spring simply paying off their debt to national, state, and local governments. By signing the tax pledge, Benigno 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. "Thomas Benigno has vowed to defend taxpayers' interests; one must worry about candidates who don't sign the pledge because these candidates demonstrate a willingness to raise taxes," added Norquist.

Thomas Benigno 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.