Republican enforcer of "no tax" pledge signals leeway

[ProSense]

Republican enforcer of "no tax" pledge signals leeway

(Reuters) - An influential conservative activist who has pushed Republican lawmakers to reject tax increases signaled some leeway on the issue Thursday, which a leading Democrat said may help lawmakers reach a deal to reduce the deficit and raise the U.S. debt limit.

Asked by the Washington Post if allowing former President George W. Bush's tax cuts to expire would constitute a tax increase, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist replied that he would not view it that way.

"Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase," Norquist told the newspaper.

Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives, told reporters that was a "very important statement" and that he hoped congressional Republicans, most of whom have pledged not to raise taxes, would take Norquist's stance into consideration.

more

TPM: Did Norquist Blink? Dems Herald Norquist Concession On Bush Tax Cuts

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. They know new revenue is necessary...

Now they just have to figure out how to do it while saving face.

Letting the Bush tax cuts expire is probably the easiest.

[Tennessee Gal]

2. Been saying that all along.

Letting a tax cut expire that was planned for a limited duration is not a tax increase.

[atreides1]

3. Tax cuts for people you can let expire

But taking away subsidies for farming, energy, and pharmaceuticals...that's not allowed!

Once again the people get fucked and the corporations get more dollars...

[Hand_With_Eyes]

4. When he was on MSNBC the other day

He looked like he was on the verge of tears when pressured about his stupid pledge causing a default.

I think he is beginning to realize that he will be held responsible for much of what happens if his adherents wreck our bond rating.

[bvar22]

5. That is simply because there is a NEW and BETTER Tax Cut for the RICH...

...included in the plan from the Gang of Six,
and this one doesn't expire.

It is currently being sold to a gullible America because "it closes loopholes" which have so far only been specified in the vaguest of terms,
...but YOU can trust them,
because Grover Norquist would NEVER scam you.

[damntexdem]

6. Can even Norquist stem the tide he has unleashed?

Hard to squeeze the teabagger toothpaste back into the tube, after all.