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Little Downside to Senate GOP Income Tax Hike

By The Pullins Group LLC

It appears that Ohio Senate Republicans, who control their chamber, will add 5 votes to the votes of the 12 Democrats and raise Ohio's income taxes .  But really, why should the Senate GOP not do this?  After all, there is absolutely no political downside and certainly some distinct political advantages to casting this vote.  Let me explain:

1.     Politically, this was Governor Ted Strickland's idea and he will now own this tax hike.  John Kasich will use the issue to beat on him until November.

2.     Every House Republican, except for 2, voted against this plan.  Every House Democrat voted for it.  House Republicans will use this issue to potentially reclaim the house majority.

3.     Goodman, Harris, and Carey are all term limited and will vote for it.  Niehaus isn't term limited, but likes raising taxes anyway, so he'll also vote for it.  I predict that the fifth vote will come from Wagoner or Faber with Wagoner being the most likely vote.  Faber has always had pretty strong anti-tax feelings.  Neither Niehaus, Wagoner, nor Faber would have even a remote possibility of losing their seats over this vote.

4.     The easy budget cuts are long gone and only nasty harmful choices that hurt real people remain if this tax isn't increased.  Why should the Senate GOP take the heat for closing libraries and food banks and ending mental health services when they don't have to?

It's really a no-brainer for them. 

 

Full post as published by The Pullins Report on December 17, 2009 (boomark / email).