WASHINGTON - Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) applauds the pro-taxpayer policies of incumbent Governor John Rowland, including his pledge to taxpayers that he will "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes." Rowland signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge sponsored by ATR on February 19, 1999.

Rowland joins 7 other incumbent governors and 13 candidates for governor, all of whom have signed the Pledge. Nation-wide, 1279 state legislators, 212 Members of the U.S. House, 37 Senators, and President George W. Bush have signed the Pledge. Over 2000 candidates for state legislature, 30 candidates for state-wide office, and 300 candidates for Congressional office have signed the Pledge this year.

Rowland scored a 43 - 31% victory against opponent Bill Curry 10/2/02, when a poll by Quinnipiac University was released showing that Rowland leads Curry in handling tax policy.

"John Rowland works hard to defend the taxpayers of Connecticut," commented Grover Norquist, President of ATR. "Taxpayers have a real champion in their Governor. If only all American taxpayers shared that advantage."

Rowland's opponent in the November 5, 2002 general election, Bill Curry, has not signed the Pledge.