Phenneger Clarifies Position on Tax Ads
Tax shift is not “tax relief,” U.S. Senate candidate says Richard Phenneger, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Idaho, asserts in his latest advertising campaign that Gov. Jim Risch’s tax relief program actually cost hundreds of thousands of Idahoans more in overall taxes. A media inquiry surfaced as Phenneger began a statewide advertising campaign refuting tax savings touted by Gov. Risch.
Phenneger based information used in the ad campaign on a variety of sources, including an updated April 14, 2008 report prepared by the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho utilizing data from the Idaho Tax Commission. “What Gov. Risch keeps failing to acknowledge is that for hundreds of thousands of Idahoans there was no ‘tax relief,’” Phenneger said. “There was a tax increase.”
This political deception falls right into the category of government accountability, a platform of Phenneger’s campaign for U.S. Senate. “It is one thing to talk about tax relief, but don’t tell all Idahoans you saved them money, if you actually didn’t.
“Homeowners who don’t itemize their federal and state income tax returns and thousands upon thousands of renters in the state, paid millions of dollars more in increased sales tax,” Phenneger added. “It wasn’t tax relief, it was a tax shift…and these citizens of our state are paying the price.”
Phenneger vehemently opposes political deception and is seeking the U.S. Senate seat to restore credibility and integrity to the position. “I have an obligation to our citizens to identify hypocrisy by a politician when I see it and hold those politicians accountable,” he said. Phenneger cites a recent Robinson Research poll he commissioned that shows 87% Idahoans want more accountability in Washington, D.C.
“It takes straight talk to tackle tough issues,” said Phenneger. His business experience will make him an effective Senator for Idaho. Phenneger has spent the past 25 years negotiating with business leaders, management and employees to help thousands of working families keep their jobs and secure their future. His programs have resulted in strengthening businesses and local economies. “The key to bringing these diverse groups of people together and forging solutions is to develop trust. And you do that through honesty.”