At Sunday nights debate between Congressman Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth) and challenger Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) Dold distanced himself from the pledge he made to Grover Norquist and Americans for Tax Reform to never raise taxes.
All but four Republican members of the House of Representatives have signed the pledge. The issue came up when the candidates were asked if they would support the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction plan calling for new revenue and reduced spending. "I would say yes," Dold said.
Dold then touted his support of the Cooper-LaTourette financial plan as an alternative to the House Republican Budget authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). He was one of eight co-sponsors—four Democrats and four Republicans.
“When the first bipartisan budget was introduced, I was one of four Republicans to co sponsor it,” Dold said. “All options have to be on the table.”
After the debate, Patch asked Dold if his support for the Cooper-LaTourette budget meant he had voted for more government revenue in contradiction of the Norquist pledge. “I did say that,” he said.
Dold did tell the gathering he does not believe any tax increases are a good idea with the economy still in a fragile state while Schneider wants people earning in excess of $250,000 per year to pay higher taxes.
