De-Stimulated Shaheen

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

NRSC Press Office

Democrat Senate candidate's hypocrisy on taxes

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Failed former Democrat Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen is all over the map on taxes.

In an op-ed in Sunday's New Hampshire Union Leader, Shaheen writes, "...the stimulus package should contain... tax rebates targeted for those who need them most. Tax rebates for individual taxpayers will inject some much-needed cash directly into New Hampshire's economy and help families feeling the pinch of rising energy and food prices." (New Hampshire Union Leader, 2/3/08)

This is in direct contradiction to 1999, when Shaheen signed a statewide property tax -- the FIRST STATEWIDE TAX in New Hampshire.

• Shaheen also proposed a cigarette tax increase.
    
• The same year, Shaheen proposed a 4.5 percent capital gains tax.
    
• In 2001, Shaheen proposed a 2.5 percent sales tax.
    
• And, in 2000, Shaheen vetoed a repeal of the inheritance tax in New Hampshire, which has the nation's third highest inheritance tax.

"Jeanne Shaheen's op-ed smacks of political opportunism, especially in light of the fact that she offered New Hampshire residents the first statewide tax in their history -- a sure economic deterrent," NRSC Communications Director Rebecca Fisher said. "Jeanne Shaheen needs to look in the mirror before writing gratuitous op-eds addressing New Hampshire voters."