Beth Harwell and Andy Ogles Sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in TN-05 Race

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) commends congressional candidates Beth Harwell and Andy Ogles for signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which is a written commitment to Tennessee taxpayers that they will oppose and vote against all income tax hikes.

Harwell and Ogles are seeking to replace retiring Democrat Rep. Jim Cooper in Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District. Cook Political Report describes the Republican primary in TN-05 as the “marquee race” in the Volunteer State. In addition, Cook rates this a “Solid R” race with a PVI (Partisan Voter Index) of R+8. Flipping this seat would convert the state delegation from 7R-2D to 8R-1D.

Candidates running for public office like to say they will not raise taxes, but often turn their backs on the taxpayer once elected. The idea of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge is simple enough: Make them put their no-new-taxes rhetoric in writing, so the promise is much harder to break.

For those candidates who refuse to sign the Pledge, voters should wonder why this politician chooses to leave the door open to tax hikes.

“Volunteer State voters are looking for solutions that get Americans back to work and grow the economy. I commend Beth Harwell and Andy Ogles for signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and promising to hold the line on taxes,” said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform

There are currently 180 Pledge signers in the U.S. House and 44 Pledge signers in the U.S. Senate. 85% percent of all congressional Republicans have made the written commitment to oppose higher taxes. In contrast, ZERO congressional Democrats have made that promise.

In President Biden’s first year, he championed a multi-trillion-dollar tax and spend bill, which included the largest tax increase since 1968. These tax hikes would disproportionately hurt workers, retirees, consumers, and small businesses. Taxpayers should expect more of the same for the remainder of his presidency.

“Voters have a right to know where candidates stand on taxes before heading to the voting booth. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is a simple litmus test that tells voters I will work to protect your wallet. I encourage all candidates for elected office to make this commitment today,” continued Norquist.

New candidates sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge regularly. For the most up-to-date information on this race or any other, please visit the ATR Pledge Database.