Lindsey Graham, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker, and Peter King have already distanced themselves from Grover Norquist’s pledge not to increase taxes, and now it looks like House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is downplaying the pledge too:
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) appeared to take a step back from anti-tax champion Grover Norquist on Monday, suggesting that a “no new taxes” pledge coordinated by Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform group wouldn’t determine his legislative duties regarding ongoing fiscal cliff negotiations.
“When I go to the constituents that have reelected me, it is not about that pledge,” Cantor said on MSNBC. “It really is about trying to solve problems.”
Asked if he could foresee a situation in which he would be willing to directly renounce the anti-tax pledge, Cantor dodged specifics, saying that he didn’t know because he hadn’t talked to Norquist.
This is the strongest challenge yet to Norquist’s anti-tax pledge, but it’s unclear whether any Republicans would actually follow through on the threats. Graham, for example, has said he’d go against the pledge in return for extensive concessions on entitlement reform from Democrats, which are unlikely to happen.
But maybe it’s not just a bluff. Exit polls showed voters favor tax hikes on the wealthy, raising pressure on Republicans (especially ones like Graham, who are up for reelection) to consider it. Norquist promises he’ll target any member of congress who breaks the pledge:
Anti-tax activist Grover Norquist said Monday that his group, Americans for Tax Reform, would work to unseat Republicans who break their pledge to never vote for higher taxes.
His vow came after prominent GOP lawmakers said over the weekend they would consider breaking the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in order to reach a deal with Democrats and President Barack Obama to avoid tumbling over the fiscal cliff – the combination of sweeping spending cuts and tax increases that would go into effect at the end of the year if negotiators can’t reach a deal on reducing the federal debt.
Norquist said his group would “certainly highlight who has kept their commitment and who hasn’t” when it comes time for lawmakers like Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Peter King to run for re-election, though Norquist claimed voters generally decide on their own to oust elected officials who vote to raise taxes.
Most of Norquist’s influence in Congress stems from the pledge. But without enforcement, it’s just a piece of paper. If he can’t keep members in line, the pledge becomes meaningless. Then again, Republican leadership won’t appreciate him targeting pledge defectors in 2014, particularly when control of the Senate may again be up for grabs.
The real problem is the sequester. Boehner and the GOP foolishly agreed to put our military at risk, assuming, falsely that (a) Democrats would not want to decimate defense and (b) that the "pain" to the Dems from cutting their social programs would be as bad as the pain to the GOP of slashing defense. This would only have been worth it it ObamaCare had been on the chopping block for the Dems, but even still, the GOP should never have allowed Obama to get his filthy mits on our military superiority.
I would dearly love to see Grover Norquest target a few Republicans IN THE PRIMARY which is likely where he would do it – and knocking one or two off would really get the message across to the rest. n nSo what if the GOP leadership didn't like it — a lot of us aren't so really happy with the GOP leadership right about now…
To the wobbly kneed Republicans, you say you want to be respected by your fellow legislators. Well guest what bunky it ain't gona happen if you don't show some backbone and stand tall and say I made that pledge and I'm standing by it "NO NEW TAXES". The Dems say they want more revenue, then use a proven tactic and lower taxes on the business, I don't care what size business just cut taxes on all of them and make it a permanent none of this temporary tax cut crap. Next pass a bill deleting all the regulations stuffed down the throat of business since Jan. 2009. Last but not least tell Trumka and his buddies "card check" is D-E-A-D. L-A M-O-R-T, K-A-P-U-T.
No, I would almost be inclined to let "card check" go through. Much as a drunk must hit bottom, much like a battered woman has to be really abused before she will listen to what all her friends have been trying to tell her, the nation has to really see the modern union movement for what it truly is. n nSo when labor sees these money-grabbing hacks for what they are and when management sees liikewise, BOTH can blame the Dems for what they did — as they should. And when Twinkies are made in some non-union shop and delivered by non-union drivers, the union guys can thank their leaders and everyone can thank Obama… n nLike I said, much as a bright and strong minded woman must make her own decision that she doesn't like the relationship and that whatever she is getting out of it isn't worth it, the "Hope ;'n' Change" folk have to realize that whatever they think they are gettig form B. Hussain isn't worth it. Much like you have to accept that the woman you care about is going to get some bruises and maybe a broken bone or two — but that you are going to jump in to prevent her from getting killed, we have to accept that NoBama is going to do more damage to this country, but be ready to step in should he be on the verge of doing something to destroy it. n nAnd nothing will put an end to the SEIU and the rest faster than both management and labor lobbying for a way to get them the hell out of their workplace….