Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Bryant, Hilleary, and Corker Once Again Fail the People of Tennessee

The Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate have once again failed the people of Tennessee.

On Saturday, Congressman Harold Ford Jr. issued a release calling on Ed Bryant, Van Hilleary, and Bob Corker to urge Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist to cut the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

In his release Ford said, "Earlier in the week, Senator Frist decided not to call a vote in the U.S. Senate to lower taxes on Tennessee households earning $200,000 a year or less. This tax, commonly referred to as the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), will cause considerable hardship on middle class families all across our state. According to the most recent census data, more than 90% of Tennessee families earn under $100,000 a year. The AMT basically serves as a toll booth for middle class families in Tennessee trying to get ahead. This tax should be lowered and would be if Senator Frist would call it for a vote."

"In a show of unity, I am asking my three Republican opponents to join me in urging Senator Frist to call the middle class tax cut bill to the floor of the Senate."

Well, guess what folks?

There has not been one single peep from Bryant, Hilleary, or Corker regarding this issue.

However, this does not surprise me. They each have a durable record of not standing up and fighting for the people of Tennessee.

For instance, earlier this month, each of the GOP candidates came out and publicly expressed their support for cuts in important programs for seniors, students, and working families among others, while coming out in support for another round of tax cuts for millionaires.

As normal, they fight for a select few, while leaving the majority of Tennesseans high and dry.

Put simply, they are out of touch with Tennesseans.

I am proud the candidate I am supporting for the U.S. Senate is not afraid to stand up and fight for all Tennesseans.

It is time we had a Senator who fought for everyone, not just a few.