In a crowded Republican primary field, Curtis Coleman has become the first individual to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. The eventual winner will take on U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.).                                               

According to the Arkansas Times’ blog, Coleman said the taxpayer pledge is “necessary to protect Arkansas families from a growing tax burden being imposed by federal lawmakers. I’m proud to sign this important pledge as a sign of my commitment to restoring prosperity for all Arkansans.”
 
While generally considered a Red State (Senator McCain received close to 60% of the vote in 2008), Senator Lincoln defeated Republican Jim Holt by a 12 point margin, 56-44, in her 2004 reelection contest.
 
To see ATR’s press release on Coleman signing the Pledge, click “read more.”
 
Curtis Coleman (R-Ark.) signs the Taxpayer Protection Pledge
U.S. Senate candidate promises to protect the family budget by signing “No New Tax” Pledge
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Curtis Coleman, a Republican considering a run for Arkansas’s U.S. Senate seat, 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.”
 
ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987. To date, 34 U.S. senators, and 172 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed the Pledge. Additionally, six Governors and over 1,100 state legislators have signed the Pledge.
 
“American taxpayers need candidates that understand the financial issues facing the U.S. today,” said Grover Norquist, president of ATR.
 
“By signing the Pledge, Curtis Coleman shows hardworking families that he understands that letting them keep more of their money is not only good for the family budget but good for the economy as well.”
 
“I strongly encourage every candidate for federal and state office to sign the Pledge,”
Norquist continued.