HIgh-Tax Republicans Risk New Conservative Revolt

Newsmax.com ^ | 12-2-02 | Vernon, Wes

[Theodore R.]

There is a risk that moderate-to-liberal Republicans will split their state parties over tax-and-spend policies and bring back Democrats to power in closely-divided states.

[Theodore R.]

In fact, the foregoing is pretty much what happened in TN in 2002. Liberal (formerly conservative) Governor Don Sundquist proposed a state income tax to underwrite his tax-and-spend policies. Sundquist's policies led to the narrow defeat of the conservative Republican gubernatorial nominee, outgoing Congressman Van Hilleary, to the Al Gore booster, Mayor Phil Bredesen of Nashville.

[KC_Conspirator]

There is a risk that moderate-to-liberal Republicans will split their state parties over tax-and-spend policies and bring back Democrats to power in closely-divided states.

Just happened in Kansas. It does'nt matter though, as the Kansas RINO's are not even fiscally conservative or responsible.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Republicans scratch their heads and wonder why conservatives stay home or vote for the Libertarian.

[TBP]

You should be careful about posting stuff like this. The professional Republicans will not brook any criticism of their deities, even if they campaing as Ronald Reagan and govern like Nelson Rockefeller. What, are you trying to help Democrats win?

Of course, the fact that many of these Republicans are no better than Democrats when it comnes to taxes and many other issues is no reason to look for conservative alternatives. After all, it's much better to let the GOP drive us off the cliff than elect Democrats to do it (or conservatives to turn things around.)

[Blood of Tyrants]

big government spending because the panel did not even consider spending cuts.

That has been the story here in TN for the past 8 years.

[Forgiven_Sinner]

I had to read "tax on receipts" three times before I grasped this meant taxes on REVENUE not INCOME. This should be the same as a SALES tax, in that it will be tacked on to the price and passed on to consumers. Sales taxes are regressive, since they hurt the poor more than the rich.

So what is so important on the state budget that it can't be cut? I'm always astonished that politicians don't even CONSIDER cutting programs or salaries or even hiring freezes.

[ServesURight]

Dirty little secret why states are facing massive deficits: Public education and health-care spending.

Here in WI taxpayers pay for BadgerCare, SeniorCare, as well as paying the state share of Medicaid.

We spend billions on public education from sky-high property taxes.

[Dark Wing]

ping

[laotzu]

"the GOP politicians they put in office are acting like Democrats"

They can lie to us....they can raise our taxes....they can lie to us about not raising taxes.

Without a hint of backbone, there still remains a multitude that insist we bend over and feel the comraderie of being a Republican.

They can put away the lubricant. The sheep they seek are already slippery.

[Theodore R.]

Yes, KS elected a Democrat daughter of a former liberal governor of OH. Democrats rebounded in part due to Republican divisions in TN, OK, WI, and perhaps WY as well. WY elected a clintoid governor -- a former U.S. attorney under AR Bill. Can some of the WY Freepers tell us more about the GOP defeat there?

[GailA]

Don't forget the roll the lamestream media played in getting weasel phil elected. The barely mentioned Van in there LOVE FEST for the weasel. Then you had spendquist saying hateful things about Van and working behind his back to make sure he wasn't elected. Weasel phil had to run to the right of center to get elected. Pro-gun anti-income tax. Abortion was NEVER mentioned.

[Theodore R.]

Why did Tommy Thompson's brother help to sabotage the Republican gubernatorial campaign? What kind of governor has McCallum been -- liberal??? Didn't McCallum run to the left of William Proxmire years ago for the Senate?

[Joe Hadenuf]

Bump....

Of course, the fact that many of these Republicans are no better than Democrats when it comnes to taxes and many other issues is no reason to look for conservative alternatives. After all, it's much better to let the GOP drive us off the cliff than elect Democrats to do it (or conservatives to turn things around.)

[glc1173@aol.com]

When - not if - the GOP faces a revolt among its own, it will be over social issues, not taxes. Things like immigration, quotas, and "free trade" hurt far more conservatives in the only region Bush won than high taxes ever will.

[Doe Eyes]

This state-level knee jerk reaction to raise taxes as the only solution to meet revenue shortfalls has been building for several years.

Why don't they just borrow the money. That way you can cut taxes and increase spending. Its simple and is working for the federal government. Fiscal responsibility is so out.

[Theodore R.]

Why didn't Hilleary bring up abortion -- did he buy into the liberal line that abortion costs Republicans as much support as it brings them?

[Protagoras]

There is a risk that moderate-to-liberal Republicans will split their state parties over tax-and-spend policies and bring back Democrats to power in closely-divided states.

What's the risk? That Dems will be elected and raise taxes? LOL

[JT_Lancer]

It does not matter who is in office - Democrats or Republicans. It is the nature of every politician to increase spending. Can anyone think of ANY Republican majority government anywhere - federal govt, state govt, city council - where spending decreased? I cannot.

[Protagoras]

I cannot.

Me either. Doesn't seem to be a big distinction between then does it?