Democrats call for Charles Boustany to withdraw Pledge to oppose tax increases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – When it comes to fighting taxes, Charles Boustany stands by his word. That\’s why Boustany, a Republican running for the seventh Congressional seat, put his commitment to Louisiana taxpayers in writing by signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform. 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." His opponent, Democrat Willie Mount, has failed to sign the Pledge.
Amazingly, Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Skinner yesterday called for Boustany to withdraw his pledge to defend taxpayers from liberal tax and spend politicians. Skinner is falsely claiming that the Boustany\’s pledge is to Americans for Tax Reform, when it is actually to the taxpayers of Louisiana.
"Democrats are so desperate to remain in power that they are opposing the interest of Louisiana taxpayers and misleading voters about Charles Boustany\’s Pledge to Louisiana taxpayers," said ATR President Grover Norquist. "Voters should ask themselves; what do Mike Skinner and the Democrats have against fighting tax hikes?"
The Democrat\’s hypocrisy does not end with their call for Charles Boustany to abandon taxpayers. Mike Skinner also attacked Boustany for entertaining the possibility of allowing individuals to create Personal Savings Accounts, similar to 401(k)\’s, with part of their Social Security contributions. Such a program would allow younger workers to invest their own money in flexible, individual accounts to build a larger nest egg for retirement, while protecting benefits for current and near-retirees. Ironically, Willie Mount has voiced her support for the same proposal. The difference between Mount and Boustany lies not in their views on reforming Social Security, but in their commitment to taxpayers.
"Charles Boustany has put in writing his promise to the people Louisiana not to raise their taxes; Willie Mount had declined to make that same pledge," said ATR President Grover Norquist. "Democrats are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the people of Louisiana; Willie Mount and her liberal allies are a serious threat to raise taxes."