National Press Releases
[2007] [2006] [2005] [2004] [2003] [2002] [2001] [2000]

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

Click here for a copy of this file in Adobe Acrobat

10/6/04

John Edwards Dishonest about Campaign’s Tax Platform
Senator contradicts own campaign budget proposal during debate with V.P. Cheney

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. John Edwards, last night backed up recent statements made by his running mate John Kerry promising the American people that they would not raise taxes on anyone making under $200,000 per year. Said Edwards, “And I want everyone to hear this,…(w)e want to keep the tax cuts that are in place for people who make less than $200,000 a year.”

Perhaps Edwards should check with his economic team, because the Kerry-Edwards budget proposal, the actual fiscal policy the Democrats plan to implement if they are elected, calls for hikes on the top two income tax brackets. The top income tax bracket targets Americans who earn over $200,000 per year, but the second highest income bracket includes individuals, married couples and small businesses earning as little as $146,500.

“In their own budget proposal, Kerry and Edwards state that they intend to implement tax hikes beginning at a threshold income of $146,500 per year,” said ATR President Grover Norquist. “John Kerry and John Edwards have falsely promised that they only want to raise taxes on those making over $200,000 per year.”

Repealing President Bush’s tax cuts on the top two income tax brackets would raise taxes on 900,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs. Many small businesses, which are responsible for creating 7 out of every 10 jobs in America, could be forced to either lay off employees of go out of business.

“Either Kerry and Edwards don’t understand their own fiscal policy, or they are deliberately deceiving voters; neither scenario is attractive behavior for a potential Presidential administration,” continued Norquist. “If voters can’t trust the promises John Kerry and John Edwards make in nationally televised debates, how can they trust anything else they have to
say?”

###
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.