Nashua Telegraph Is 26th New Hampshire Newspaper To Endorse John McCain For President

"McCain is here once again, crisscrossing the Granite State in his Straight Talk Express tour bus, displaying the same integrity, vision and, yes, straight talk ... At a time when some candidates present themselves to voters as something they haven't always been, we find the Arizona senator to be the genuine article. You might not always agree with his answers, but you won't leave a conversation wondering where he stands." -- Nashua Telegraph
McCain Our Choice For GOP Nomination
Editorial
Nashua TelegraphDecember 30, 2007

Eight years ago, when he was running as a political maverick against Republican establishment candidate George W. Bush, we endorsed John McCain for the GOP nomination for president of the United States.

We did so because of his integrity.

We did so because of his leadership.

We did so because of his forthrightness and his refusal to pander to voters by telling them what they wanted to hear.

A lot of things have changed in this country during these last eight years, starting with the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, which resulted in the tragic deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans and led to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

But not everything has changed. McCain is here once again, crisscrossing the Granite State in his Straight Talk Express tour bus, displaying the same integrity, vision and, yes, straight talk that marked his earlier, unsuccessful run for the presidency.

Oh, and one more thing hasn't changed: our support.

Today, we endorse John McCain for the Republican nomination for president. At a time when some candidates present themselves to voters as something they haven't always been, we find the Arizona senator to be the genuine article. You might not always agree with his answers, but you won't leave a conversation wondering where he stands.

McCain also has established a reputation during his 24-year congressional career as standing up for what he believes -- regardless of whether it's in line with party leaders or his president. If that means working with someone from across the aisle, then so be it.

And it's that kind of leadership -- someone willing to put conscience ahead of party -- that is going to be absolutely critical in persuading Congress to abandon the paralyzing partisanship of the past in order to work together to resolve the many domestic and foreign challenges of the future.

During the course of presidential campaigns, there are usually a handful of memorable moments that resonate with voters.

One of those came during the Republican CNN/YouTube debate of Nov. 28 in St. Petersburg, Fla. In response to a direct question from CNN moderator Anderson Cooper on whether waterboarding is a form of torture, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney went to great lengths to avoid answering the question.

While making clear he opposed torture, Romney said repeatedly that it would be inappropriate for a presidential candidate to describe specifically "which measures we would and would not use."

"Well, Governor," McCain responded, "I'm astonished that you haven't found out what waterboarding is."

When Romney insisted he knew very well what it was but still didn't believe it was appropriate to talk about it, McCain responded that he was "astonished" anyone could actually believe that waterboarding wasn't torture and as such a violation of the Geneva Convention.

"And, Governor, let me tell you, if we're going to get the high ground in this world and we're going to be the America that we have cherished and loved for more than 200 years, we're not going to torture people," McCain said.

That fire-in-the-belly response should come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with the senator's remarkable pre-congressional career. Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Twenty-two years in the U.S. Navy, interrupted by 5-1/2 years of grueling captivity as a prisoner of war after being shot down in his 23rd bombing mission over North Vietnam in October 1967.

Recipient of the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross for his courageous service to his country.

John McCain not only has earned our gratitude for his meritorious service to his country, but once again our endorsement for the Republican nomination.

Read Nashua Telegraph Editorial: "McCain Our Choice For GOP Nomination"

BIDEN HITS BUSH ON VETO AND HIS FAILED IRAQ POLICY

Today, Sen. Joe Biden criticized President Bush for his veto of the Defense Authorization Conference Report and called on him to immediately begin implementing the Biden-Brownback Resolution and Senator Biden’s comprehensive exit plan for Iraq which is contained in the bill.

In calling for the President to act on the bill’s key components, Sen. Biden stated, “Yesterday’s tragic events in Pakistan underscore the sobering effects of our failed policy in Iraq. As I’ve said, when President Bush abandoned Afghanistan to go to war in Iraq, it sent a message to Musharraf that the U.S. might not be there to protect him.

“Ending the war in Iraq would allow us to go after al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and assist the Pakistani moderates in taking control of their country. And it would allow us to get our sons and daughters out of the middle of Iraq’s civil war,” said Biden.

“Just moving to enact the Biden-Brownback resolution would bring the international community into the cause of long-term peace in the region. And we would further stabilize the region by committing to the bill’s provision that the U.S. foreswear any long-term military bases in Iraq,” added Biden.

“This war must end and the Biden-Brownback resolution is the key to that endgame,” said Biden. “It is essential that the President sign this provision as soon as possible and help the Iraqis implement the federal system called for in their Constitution.”

Romney: "ATTACKING"? NO – THIS IS AN ATTACK AD

In 2000, A McCain Ad Said George Bush "Twists The Truth" Like Bill Clinton
"I guess it was bound to happen. Governor Bush's campaign is getting desperate … His ad twists the truth like Clinton. We're all pretty tired of that."– Sen. John McCain, 2000 (McCain 2000, Campaign Ad, 2/9/00)

To watch the 2000 campaign ad, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHoXkCprdL4
Sen. McCain Says That Airing His Positions On Issues Is An Attack:
Sen. McCain Complains That A Simple Airing Of Policy Positions Is "Attacking." SEN. JOHN MCCAIN: "If there’s any doubt that we’re doing well, it’s when Mitt Romney starts attacking." (National Review Online, Posted 12/28/07)

But A Polite Contrast On Issues Is Hardly An Attack. "As so-called attack ads go, this seems rather mild. It focuses on McCain's record, doesn't call him names, and even offers that McCain is an 'honorable man.' There's nothing objectionable about it in that sense. Campaigns are all about making choices, as both men make clear." (Ed Morrissey, "A Tale Of Two Television Ads," Captain's Quarters Blog, www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/016458.php, Posted 12/28/07)

An Actual Attack Ad Would Compare Your Republican Opponent To Bill Clinton:

In 2000, Sen. McCain Ran An Attack Ad Comparing Then-Gov. Bush To Bill Clinton. SEN. MCCAIN: "I guess it was bound to happen. Governor Bush's campaign is getting desperate, with a negative ad about me. The fact is, I'll use the surplus money to fix Social Security, cut your taxes and pay down the debt. Governor Bush uses all of the surplus for tax cuts, with not one new penny for Social Security or the debt. His ad twists the truth like Clinton. We're all pretty tired of that. As president, I'll be conservative and always tell you the truth. No matter what." (McCain 2000, Campaign Ad, 2/9/00; www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHoXkCprdL4)

Conservatives And Republicans Decried McCain's Personal Attack On George Bush:
Bill Bennett Said The McCain Ad Should Be Pulled. BENNETT: "I think the McCain ad is wrong. I think they should pull that ad. I have to agree, to compare George Bush to Bill Clinton is really ridiculous. I mean, Bill Clinton is one of the most corrupt people to ever occupy a public office ... This is not good for the man who run the straight talk express to compare Bush with Clinton." (ABC's "Good Morning America," 2/8/00)

Bennett: "Well, politics is a contact sport and I understand that, but there are personal fouls from time to time and I think this is over the top, this ad." (MSNBC's "The News With Brian Williams," 2/8/00)

Fred Barnes: "Instead, He's Come Back And Likened George W. Bush To Bill Clinton -- I Think That's A Little Over The Top For A Republican Primary Audience." (Fox News' "Special Report," 2/9/00)

Karl Rove: "Senator McCain Should Be Ashamed Of His Ad. It's A Sad Moment When He Runs An Ad Comparing Governor Bush To Bill Clinton. He Should Be Ashamed. He Should Be Ashamed." (CNN's "Inside Politics," 2/8/00)

Oliver North: "I Think That John McCain Ad Of Comparing George W. Bush To Bill Clinton Is Unfair And Is A Characterization. I Think It Ought To Be Pulled." (MSNBC's "Feedback," 2/08/00)

Bush Spokeswoman Karen Hughes Said McCain Should Be "Ashamed" Of The Ad. "Bush spokeswoman Karen Hughes today called the handshake ad 'offensive.' Speaking on ABC's 'Good Morning America,' Hughes said McCain 'should be ashamed' of comparing Bush to President Clinton's 'level of dishonesty.'" (Laura Meckler, "McCain, Bush Escalate War Of Ads," The Associated Press, 2/8/00)

Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) Said There Was "No Excuse" For McCain's Tactics. SEN. STROM THURMOND: "There is no excuse for the negative ads that Senator McCain's strategists and politicos are running in South Carolina. They reflect poorly on my friend from Arizona and they are a sad commentary on the contemporary political process. This ad represents exactly the type of tactics that Senator McCain denounces and the sort of message that the people of this country have rejected." (Sen. Strom Thurmond, Press Release, 2/8/00)
Ari Fleischer: "Suggesting That Governor Bush Is As Dishonest As Bill Clinton Is A Disservice To Our Party And Our Principles." (Laura Meckler, "Bush, McCain Attack Each Other," The Associated Press, 2/8/00)

Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN): "I Don't Think John Should Have Done That, And I Don't Think John Thinks He Should Have Done That." (CNN, "Crossfire," 2/14/00)

South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon Decried The Ad As A "Personal Attack" On George Bush. "Bush supporters, upset by a McCain ad saying a Bush ad 'twists the truth like Clinton,' held news conferences around the state saying the ad should come off the air. State Attorney General Charlie Condon, who appeared in Charleston, said, 'Comparing him to Clinton that goes to character. This is a personal attack on someone's integrity and trustworthiness.'" (Rachel Graves And Schuyler Kropf, "Politicians Take Issue With Rivals," [Charleston, SC] The Post And Courier, 2/9/00)

Former First Lady Barbara Bush Called The Ad "Desperate." BARBARA BUSH: "I got it. I saw it, but I think that's very ugly, and I think that does sound desperate. and I'm sorry. I like John and I'm sorry he's doing that. I like him less after I've heard that than I liked him before." (CNN, "Late Edition," 2/13/00)

The Media Called The McCain Campaign's Personal Attacks On Bush A Mistake:
The Washington Post Said That McCain’s Ad "Contains The Harshest Charge Any Presidential Candidate In Either Party Has Hurled Against A Rival This Season." "While decrying negative campaigning, this ad contains the harshest charge any presidential candidate in either party has hurled against a rival this season … it contains some misrepresentations …while Bush criticized the Arizona senator on policy, McCain's ad attacks him personally, likening Bush's trustworthiness to that of Clinton…McCain also seems to be abandoning the handshake agreement not to turn negative." (Howard Kurtz, "McCain Likens Bush to Clinton," The Washington Post, 2/9/00)

CNN's Bill Schneider Said That The Negative Ad Could Be A "Mistake" For McCain. CNN's WILLIAM SCHNEIDER: "Judy, I think it's a bigger risk for John McCain. He could be making the same mistake Bill Bradley made when he went negative against Al Gore. It spoiled Bradley's strongest advantage, which was that he didn't look a typical politician. That also been McCain's strong suit -- straight talk." (CNN's "Inside Politics," 2/8/00)

ABC News' Aaron Brown: McCain "Called Bush A Liar Or Something Worse." ABC'S AARON BROWN: "Set aside, if not forgotten, were those nasty days of winter when McCain all but called Bush a liar or something worse." MCCAIN: "His ad twists the truth like Clinton." (ABC News' "World News Tonight," 5/9/00)

MSNBC's Chris Matthews: McCain's Ad "Got Him Into Big Trouble." MCCAIN: "His ad twists the truth like Clinton. We're all pretty tired of that. As president, I'll be conservative and always tell you the truth, no matter what." (END VIDEO CLIP) MATTHEWS: "Well, that was John McCain and the ad that got him into big trouble." (MSNBC's "Hardball," 3/10/00)

The Dallas Morning News' Carl P. Leubsdorf: McCain Joined In "Attack Politics." "But the beginning of his downfall occurred in South Carolina when he decided to run a television commercial stating that a Bush ad on the McCain tax plan 'twists the truth like Clinton.' With that overheated statement, which infuriated Bush, McCain signaled he was going to join the Texas governor in the kind of attack politics that has exemplified American politics in recent years." (Carl P. Leubsdorf, Op-Ed, "McCain's Missteps Hurt His Claim To Be A Political Reformer," The Dallas Morning News, 3/9/00)

The Associated Press: McCain Ad "Was A Low Blow In GOP Circles." "Sometimes the risks backfire, such as a McCain ad in South Carolina that said Bush 'twists the truth like Clinton.' It was a low blow in GOP circles that hurt McCain with voters and gave Bush cover for his own barrage of negative ads." (Laura Meckler, "Mike Murphy, Pitching For The Other Side," The Associated Press, 3/6/00)

Roll Call's Mort Kondracke: McCain Responded To Policy Contrasts With An Ad "Seen Among Republicans As… Excessive." "[McCain] didn't like it that Mr. Bush was pointing out the similarities between his tax plan and Mr. Gore's, so he let loose with an ad charging that Mr. Bush 'twists the truth like Clinton.' That was seen among Republicans as so excessive that Mr. McCain pulled the ad off the air." (Mort Kondracke, Op-Ed, "McCain's Temper Run Amok," Roll Call, 3/2/00)

Newsweek's Howard Fineman: McCain's Ad "Was A Blunder." "In the other [ad], McCain said Bush 'twists the truth like Clinton.' It was a blunder for a man running as a straight-talking reformer." (Howard Fineman, et al., "Back From The Brink," Newsweek, 2/28/00)
Time's Eric Pooley: McCain's Ad "Went Too Far." "The gift was a TV commercial in which the Arizona Senator looked into the camera and charged that Bush 'twists the truth like Clinton.' The spot went too far--in South Carolina's Republican circles, being compared to Clinton is worse than being compared to Satan himself." (Eric Pooley, et al., "Read My Knuckles," Time, 2/28/00)

Pooley: The Ad "Undermined McCain's Claim That He Was Above Politics As Usual." "Putting it on the air undermined McCain's claim that he was above politics as usual and freed Bush to amplify his attack strategies while muddying the waters on the question of which candidate was hitting below the belt." (Eric Pooley, et al., "Read My Knuckles," Time, 2/28/00)

Romney: SUPPORTING PRO-GROWTH TAX POLICIES

Governor Mitt Romney: "I don’t think that the Democrats are right when they say that they’re planning on raising taxes, that'll somehow make us stronger. I think that'll hurt our economy. Raising taxes slows the economy down. I want to keep taxes down. That was the first lesson of Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan 101: bring taxes down, that will grow the economy and allow us to have better jobs and a better future. And so I want to keep our taxes down." (Gov. Mitt Romney, Remarks, Conway, NH, 12/22/07)

Governor Romney Has A Record Of Fighting For Lower Taxes In Massachusetts:

The Club For Growth: Governor Romney's Record Includes "Solid Efforts To Promote Pro-Growth Tax Policy." "That said, Governor Romney's single term contained some solid efforts to promote pro-growth tax policy." (The Club For Growth, "Mitt Romney's Record On Economic Issues," Press Release, 8/21/07)

Massachusetts Citizens For Limited Taxation Executive Director Barbara Anderson: "There was no one else out on the horizon and with the legislature almost entirely Democratic, we felt it was necessary to have a grown-up in the corner office. … And we were right to back him. He's been a really good friend to the taxpayers." (Shawn Macomber, "Mighty Mitt Romney," The American Spectator, 3/06)

Beacon Hill Institute Executive Director David Terck: Governor Romney Did "Hold The Line On Taxes In Every Significant Sense." (Fox News' "Journal Editorial Report," 3/31/07)
CAPITAL GAINS TAXES: Governor Romney Turned The Legislature's $250 Million Retroactive Capital Gains Tax Increase Into A $250 Million Tax Refund. (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Conservative Political Action Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/2/07)

INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT: Governor Romney Signed An Economic Stimulus Package Making The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Permanent. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Economic Stimulus, Supplemental Budget Bills," Press Release, 11/26/03)

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF: Governor Romney Proposed And Signed Legislation Providing Property Tax Relief To Senior Citizens, Enabling Them To Keep Their Homes. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Bill To Give Seniors Tax Relief," Press Release, 11/20/05)

2004 SALES TAX HOLIDAY: Governor Romney Enacted The State's First-Ever Sales Tax Holiday In 2004. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Promotes Tax-Free Shopping Day On Saturday," Press Release, 8/14/04)

2005 SALES TAX HOLIDAY: Governor Romney Enacted A Second Sales Tax Holiday. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney, Dimasi, Hart Promote Tax-Free Shopping Weekend," Press Release, 8/14/0)

BIOTECH MANUFACTURING JOBS TAX REBATE: Governor Romney Proposed And Enacted A Tax Rebate For Manufacturing Jobs Created In The Biotechnology, Life Sciences And Medical Device Fields. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Economic Stimulus, Supplemental Budget Bills," Press Release, 11/26/03)

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT: Governor Romney Proposed And Enacted An Expansion Of The Research And Development Tax Credit. (Jay Fitzgerald, "Gov Nearly Halves Package; Rebellious Legislators Vow To Override Stimulus Vetoes," The Boston Herald, 11/27/03)

LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT: Governor Romney Extended The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. (Jessica Fargen, "Romney Pegs Courthouses For Repair Money," The Patriot Ledger, 8/11/04)

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TAX RELIEF: Governor Romney Ended The Prescription Drug Tax Which Fell Disproportionately On Seniors. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs No New Tax Budget In Time For New Fiscal Year," Press Release, 6/30/03)

COMMUTER TAX RELIEF: Governor Romney Signed Legislation Allowing Commuters To Deduct Transportation Costs From Their Income Taxes. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Governor Romney Signs $25.2 Billion FY 2007 State Budget," Press Release, 7/8/06)

VETERANS TAX RELIEF: Governor Romney Signed Legislation Providing Disabled Massachusetts Veterans With Extensive Tax Exemptions. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Expands Tax Benefits For Disabled Veterans," Press Release, 8/14/06)

HOME HEATING OIL DEDUCTION/ENERGY EFFICIENT CREDIT: Governor Romney Signed Legislation Giving Homeowners A Deduction Of Up To $800 For Home Heating Costs And Providing A One-Time Credit For Homeowners Who Purchase Energy Efficient Heating Products. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Legislation To Provide Energy Price Relief And Increase Conservation," Press Release, 11/22/05)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Governor Romney Proposed And Enacted A Refundable Tax Credit To Promote Development At The Former Fort Devens U.S. Army Base. (Stephen Heuser, "$660M Drug Plant, 550 Jobs For Mass.," The Boston Globe, 6/2/06)

FIRE SAFETY TAX DEDUCTION: Governor Romney Proposed And Enacted A Tax Deduction For Businesses Installing Automatic Sprinkler Systems To Enhance Fire Safety. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Signs Into Law Landmark Fire Safety Legislation," Press Release, 8/17/04)

CONFORMITY TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX CODE: Under Governor Romney, Massachusetts Was Brought Into Conformity With The Federal Code, Providing Massachusetts Taxpayers With A Range Of Credits, Exemptions and Deductions Previously Unavailable To Them. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Urges Taxpayers To File For New Tax Breaks," Press Release, 1/24/06)

MEDICAL DEVICE TAX CREDIT: Governor Romney Enacted Legislation Providing A Tax Credit For User Fees Paid By Medical Device Manufacturers to The U.S. Food And Drug Administration. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "Romney Expands Tax Benefits For Disabled Veterans," Press Release, 8/14/06)

MOTION PICTURE TAX CREDIT: Governor Romney Signed Legislation Providing Tax Incentives For Movie And Television Production In Massachusetts. (Office Of Governor Mitt Romney, "'Lights, Camera, Action!' In Massachusetts," Press Release, 11/23/05)

BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT EXTENTION: Governor Romney Signed Legislation Extending The Tax Credit For Brownfield Site Redevelopment. ("Campaign Notes," The Berkshire Eagle, 7/8/06)

HISTORIC REHABILITATION TAX CREDIT: Under Governor Romney, The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Was Created Which Provides A Tax Credit For The Renovation Of Historic Buildings. (The General Court Of The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts, Chapter 141 Of The Acts Of 2003, “An Act Relative To Investments In Emerging Technologies To Promote Job Creation, Economic Stability And Competitiveness In The Massachusetts Economy”)

Governor Romney Has Proposed A Pro-Growth Tax Agenda That Includes:

Making The Bush Tax Cuts Permanent. Governor Romney believes making the Bush Tax Cuts permanent is the first step to ensuring that Americans are able to keep more of their hard-earned money. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: A Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes," Press Release, 10/4/07)

Rolling Back Tax Rates Across The Board For All Americans. As President, Governor Romney will cut marginal tax rates across the board, allowing all Americans to save more money. This approach is fair, simple and extends the pro-growth benefits of tax rate cuts to all Americans. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: A Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes," Press Release, 10/4/07)

Making Middle Class Savings Tax Free. Governor Romney's plan will allow middle class Americans to save tax free by changing the tax rate on interest, capital gains and dividends to absolutely 0%. By helping more Americans save and invest, we can meet the challenges of an aging population and ensure the financial security of America. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: A Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes," Press Release, 10/4/07)

Killing The Death Tax. It is unfair to tax the American people three times: once when they earn their money; second when they invest it and receive income from those investments; and third when they die. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: A Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes," Press Release, 10/4/07)

Making Our Corporate Tax Rate Must Be Competitive With The Rest Of The World. The United States has the second highest corporate tax rate in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. We simply cannot afford for future economic growth to have a tax rate that is out of alignment with the other major economies of the world. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: A Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes," Press Release, 10/4/07)

Opposing Any Increase In Social Security Taxes. We can strengthen Social Security without resorting to higher Social Security taxes that will impact all Americans. Governor Romney will oppose any proposed increase in Social Security taxes. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: A Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes," Press Release, 10/4/07)

Making Qualified Medical Expenses Tax Deductible. Governor Romney supports the full deductibility of qualified medical expenses, which will allow Americans to deduct the cost of their health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses, where accompanied by at least catastrophic insurance. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: A Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes," Press Release, 10/4/07)

Preventing The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) From Hurting More American Families. At the very least, Congress must pass a patch to the AMT that will prevent this tax from affecting more and more families in America. (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America: Real Conservative Solutions," Press Release, 12/13/07)

Governor Romney Has Always Supported The Bush Tax Cuts:

Governor Romney Called The President's Tax Relief A "Powerful" Economic Tool. "Like Rhode Island, Massachusetts is heavily Democratic; John Kerry of the Bay State will sweep both places in November. I asked Romney how it helps Massachusetts that Bush is president. 'It helps America to have George Bush as president, and Massachusetts is part of America – still,' he chuckled. He said Bush, using the 'powerful' tool of a tax cut, has worked hard to stimulate the economy." (Charles Bakst, "Mitt Romney To Have His Moment In The GOP Spotlight," The Providence Journal, 8/31/04)

At The Republican National Convention, Governor Romney Praised Fiscally Conservative Government That "Leaves More Money In The Hands Of The Taxpayers." "We step forward by insisting on Ronald Reagan's vision of a compassionate and fiscally conservative government that promotes the opportunity of ownership and leaves more money in the hands of the taxpayers." (Governor Mitt Romney, Remarks At The Republican National Convention, New York City, NY, 9/1/04)

At A 2002 Fundraiser, President Bush Advocated Making The Tax Cuts Permanent Saying "I Know Romney Feels The Same Way." PRESIDENT BUSH: "They also need to make sure the tax cuts are permanent. Let me tell you my thoughts about tax relief. When your economy is kind of ooching along, it's important to let people have more of their own money. Here's the page out of the textbook that I believe is important. I know Romney feels the same way. If you let somebody keep more of their own money, they're likely to demand a good or a service. And when they demand a good or a service in this system, somebody is likely to produce that good or a service. And when somebody produces that good or a service, somebody is more likely to be able to find work." (President George W. Bush, Remarks At A Massachusetts Victory 2002 Reception, Boston, MA, 10/4/02)

Mitt Romney: President Bush Knows How To Stop Those Who Want To Raise Taxes. MITT ROMNEY: "We have to make sure that we have that battle cry here today as well because there are some people who would get the bus going back to 'Taxachusetts' and this man [President Bush] knows how to stop that kind of stuff." (Mitt Romney, Remarks At A Massachusetts Victory 2002 Reception, Boston, MA, 10/4/02)