John Graves (R-Tex.) signs the Taxpayer Protection Pledge
WASHINGTON – – John Graves, a candidate for Texas\\\\\\\’ 1st Congressional District seat, 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."
ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987. To date, President George W. Bush, 42 U.S. senators, and 217 members of the U.S. House of Representatives (16 from Texas) have signed the Pledge. Additionally, eight governors and over 1,190 state legislators also have signed the Pledge.
"America needs elected officials who are committed to protecting taxpayers, and signing our Pledge demonstrates that kind of leadership," said Grover Norquist, president of ATR.
"By signing the Pledge, Mr. Graves demonstrates his allegiance to hard-working taxpayers nationwide, as well as dedication to taxpayers in his state. Mr. Graves should be commended for his principled opposition to tax increases as a solution to politicians\\\\\\\’ tax-and-spend habits."
"I strongly encourage all candidates to sign the No Tax Pledge," Norquist concluded.
Copies of the Pledge are available at www.atr.org or by calling (202) 785-0266.