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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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Phil Kellam (D-VA) Fails to Sign Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Tax hikes are on the table if Kellam wins seat.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Phil Kellam, a Democrat vying for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat, is the only candidate in the race that has failed to sign 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, 47 U.S. senators, and 223 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed the Pledge.  Additionally, six Governors and over 1,300 state legislators have signed the Pledge as well.

“By not signing the Pledge, Phil Kellam is giving himself an opening to raise taxes on his constituents,” said Grover Norquist, president of ATR.  “Congresswoman Thelma Drake, his Republican opponent, has put it in writing that she will not raise taxes and has stuck by her commitment.”

Phil Kellam has served as Virginia Beach’s Commissioner of the Revenue since 1997.  The office is responsible for the administration of taxes levied by the government, or collecting taxes.  Congresswoman Thelma Drake was elected to represent Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District in 2004.  She not only signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, but earned Americans for Tax Reform’s Hero of the Taxpayer Award both years in office.  For the 2006 legislative session, she received a perfect score as an advocate for taxpayers on votes such as on the Death tax, spending control, and property rights. 

“It’s simple: Kellam is leaving tax increases on the table, while Thelma Drake will vote to keep the tax cuts permanent,” Norquist continued.  “With Kellam, you don’t know what you’ll get until April 15th rolls around.”

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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.