Monday, July 7, 2008

Obama On Taxes

The Republican National Committee is starting to go after Barack Obama's tax stand. They are pointing out that Obama pledged not to raise taxes on the miiddle class , but voted in favor of the Democrats' FY 2009 gudget, which would raise tax rates for anyone earning $31,850 or more.

Obama on ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "Would you take the same pledge [that there will be no middle class tax increases of any kind]?" Obama: "Well, I not only have pledged not to raise their taxes, I've been the first candidate in this race to specifically say I would cut their taxes." (ABC Democrat Candidates Presidential Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 4/16/08)

-- Obama: "I'll Give A Tax Cut To Working People..." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At A Campaign Rally, Denver, CO, 1/30/08)

But, Obama voted twice in favor of the Democrats' FY 2009 budget resolution:

(S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85, Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0,3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea)

"Under both Democratic plans, tax rates would increase by 3 percentage points for each of the 25 percent, 28 percent and 33 percent brackets. At present, the 25 percent bracket begins at $31,850 for individuals and $63,700 for married couples. The 35 percent bracket on incomes over $349,700 would jump to 39.6 percent." (Andrew Taylor, "Presidential Hopefuls To Vote On Budget," The Associated Press, 3/13/08)

Further, Obama claims he wants to "Keep Taxes As Low As Possible," but repeatedly voted or higher taxes in the U.S. Senate And the Illinois State Senate:

Obama: "First of all, I don't want higher taxes, I have to pay taxes,and it's no fun. You know I think sometimes there's this presumption that Democrats, we just love taxing people. No, I would prefer to keep taxes as low as possible." (ABC's "The View," 3/28/08)

Obama hoted at least 94 times for higher taxes in The U.S. Senate. (RNC Research)

-- To date, Obama has voted for a tax increase approximately once every five days Congress has been in session. (RNC Research; The Library Of Congress Website, thomas.loc.gov, Accessed 6/8/08)

--In the State Senate, Obama supported "Hundreds Of Tax Increases." ABC's Terry Moran: "[O]bama was considered a reliable liberal Democratic vote in Illinois. For instance, voting for most gun control measures, opposing efforts to ban so-called partial birth abortions and supporting hundreds of tax increases." ABC's Nightline, 2/25/08)

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