Release: Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker calls on Gov. Daniels to stop the spin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2008

 

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker calls on Gov. Daniels to stop the spin

Campaign ads are misleading Hoosiers, hiding truth of Daniels' record

 

INDIANAPOLIS - With the eyes of the nation turned toward Indiana's exciting Democratic primary season, Governor Mitch Daniels apparently still thinks that he can get away with misrepresenting his record to the voters of this state. As he spends millions trying to hide the broken promises of the last four years, it is clear that Daniels and his campaign have thrown reality out the window in a desperate attempt to rebuild his public image.

 

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker called on Daniels to stop the spin and start having an honest discussion with Hoosiers about the problems facing Indiana.

 

"Governor Daniels believes that if he can just spend enough money rewriting history, maybe the hardworking families of this state will forget that he has spent the last four years selling off our public assets, shifting the tax burden around, and making these tough economic times even more difficult," Parker said.

 

A quick look at Daniels' television spot, "Taxpayers First," reveals just how far he and his campaign are willing to stretch the truth as they try and buy back the support the Governor has lost over the last four years.

 

Claim: "Now, the books are balanced, and the state's debts to schools are paid, without raising taxes." ["Taxpayers First"]

Reality: As Governor, Mitch Daniels has repeatedly broken his promise to not raise the taxes of Hoosier families.

Promise Made: Daniels Said He Would Veto Any Attempt to Raise General Taxes.  In his 2005 State of the State Address, Mitch Daniels said, "I will veto any attempt to raise general taxes on our citizens, and any attempt to extend for even one day the one temporary measure I reluctantly propose tonight." [Mitch Daniels, 2005 State of the State]

 

Promise Broken: Daniels' 2005 Budget Helped Push Property Taxes Higher and Higher. The Mitch Daniels budget of 2005 capped tax relief to homeowners across the state, and the AP reported at the time that the shift would "place the burden for spending increases by local governments squarely on property taxpayers' shoulders." [Associated Press, 10/23/05]

 

Promise Broken: Daniels Raised the Cigarette Tax. In 2007, Daniels added "44 cents in new taxes to the cost of a pack of cigarettes." [South Bend Tribune, 5/2/07]

 

Promise Broken: Daniels Signed Multiple Bills Allowing Counties to Impose Higher Local Income Taxes.  Daniels signed a bill in 2007 that, according to the Associated Press, allowed "counties to impose higher and new local income taxes to reduce the reliance that local governments have on property taxes." [Associated Press, 5/11/07] This year, his property tax legislation has forced many local governments to "replace lost revenue with a local income tax," something that Daniels has referred to as a "powerful tool." [South Bend Tribune, 2/15/08]

 

Promise Broken: Daniels Raised the State Sales Tax by 17%. The Associated Press noted just a month ago that Daniels "sold the sales tax increase in the General Assembly" as part of his property tax plan, raising the burden on all Hoosiers regardless of whether they will see property tax savings or not. [Associated Press, 3/31/08]

 

 

For more information: Thomas Cook, 317-231-7125

 

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Paid for and authorized by the Indiana Democratic Party, Daniel J. Parker, Chair. 

This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.