Norm called out for flip flop in no new taxes promise‎

The St. Cloud Times printed a letter from Kristina Rasmussen of the National Taxpayers Union based in Alexandria, VA. She is disappointed Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) has flip-flopped on a campaign promise to never ever raise taxes under any circumstance.

Letter: Coleman's tax position shaky after recent vote

Voters should be able to count on elected officials to uphold campaign pledges, which is why we regretfully announce that Sen. Norm Coleman has broken his "no tax hike" promise to taxpayers.

In particular, Coleman responded "yes" to the following question on the National Taxpayers Union's 2002 Survey of congressional candidates: "I believe the current tax burden is too high. Therefore, I will vote against ANY increase of ANY tax — including individual income taxes, corporate income taxes, payroll taxes, and excise taxes."

Earlier this month Coleman reneged on this declaration by voting to increase the regressive federal tobacco excise tax by 61 cents per pack.

This is especially disappointing considering that his signature on the survey form attested that his "answers are a firm and unconditional commitment to the people of the United States."

Our 7,000 members in Minnesota sincerely hope his shaky support for keeping taxes low firms up soon.
(St. Cloud Times)