Mitt Romney Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Massachusetts Governor makes written promise to eschew tax hikes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, a candidate vying for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, recently 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." 

Gov. Romney became the first major candidate to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge on December 31st, 2006.  As Governor, Mitt Romney pressed for several major tax cuts in the difficult blue-state environment of Massachusetts.

ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987.  To date, President George W. Bush, 43 U.S. senators, and 197 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed the Pledge.  Additionally, seven Governors and over 1,100 state legislators have signed the Pledge as well.

“In signing the Pledge, Gov. Romney firmly commits himself in writing to fiscal discipline and economic common sense,” Grover Norquist said.  “Mitt Romney has told taxpayers in no uncertain terms that he plans to look out for their interests.”

“I strongly encourage every Presidential candidate to sign the Pledge,” Norquist continued.

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