Mannix Blasts Kulongoski`s Proposed Sales Tax

Governor Kulongoski, seen here just after landing at Salem's Airport, is under fire for his tax supporting a possible sales tax Photo By: Tim King

(TIGARD) - Kevin Mannix blasted Ted Kulongoski in a speech Tuesday before the King City Republican Women over Kulongoski`s latest plan for raising taxes in Oregon.

During a televised debate Monday night, Kulongoski said he would support a new sales tax.

The Oregonian called it "the most definitive call for a sales tax the governor has made since he took office in 2003."

"Nine times the voters of this state have said no to a sales tax," said Mannix.

Kulongoski has a history of telling voters he`s not for raising taxes and then doing just the opposite.

In Kulongoski`s first year as governor he promised repeatedly that he would not raise taxes; he then supported Ballot Measures 28 & 30—the largest proposed tax increases in Oregon`s recent history.

This week Mannix launched a new television ad campaign focusing on the business exodus from Oregon, and pointing out that Kulongoski has not been the business recruiter that he promised to be.

"Kulongoski is proposing a sales tax at the time businesses are leaving Oregon, once again putting a disincentive out there for businesses considering locating here. This hurts our economy."

Mannix has proposed lowering taxes to attract business to Oregon and help Oregon families thrive.

This includes eliminating the death tax, lowering the capital gains tax, and protecting the kicker. Mannix has signed the 2006 "No new taxes pledge" authored by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR). He received a national award from ATR in March 2004 for his "untiring efforts in the fight against higher taxes."