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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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Congressional Candidate Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge
John Graves (R-Tex.) signs the Taxpayer Protection Pledge

WASHINGTON - - John Graves, a candidate for Texas' 1st 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, 42 U.S. senators, and 217 members of the U.S. House of Representatives (16 from Texas) have signed the Pledge. Additionally, eight governors and over 1,190 state legislators also have signed the Pledge.

"America needs elected officials who are committed to protecting taxpayers, and signing our Pledge demonstrates that kind of leadership," said Grover Norquist, president of ATR.

"By signing the Pledge, Mr. Graves demonstrates his allegiance to hard-working taxpayers nationwide, as well as dedication to taxpayers in his state. Mr. Graves should be commended for his principled opposition to tax increases as a solution to politicians' tax-and-spend habits."

"I strongly encourage all candidates to sign the No Tax Pledge," Norquist concluded.

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

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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.