Jason Gastrich Calls Tom McClintock's Bluff

September 7, 2003

"On August 19, all of the gubernatorial candidates received a message about 'The No New Taxes Pledge.'  This pledge was promptly signed by over 20 of the candidates.  Tom McClintock did not sign it."  The official pledge can be seen at http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/nonewtaxes/govcandidates.htm.

A recent article in San Diego's Union-Tribune newspaper quoted Tom McClintock saying, "I'm the one candidate who has taken the no new tax pledge (September 4, 2003, A12)."  This quote came from his public debate on September 3.  Mr. McClintock is either misinformed, confused, or lying.

"There are a number of serious candidates that have pledged to avoid raising taxes," said Mr. Gastrich.  "For Tom to say that he is the only one, especially when he hasn't even signed the pledge, is awfully disingenuous."

Mr. Gastrich continued and said, "I'm going to contact Tom's campaign, today.  If he decides to sign the pledge, I'll make another, public statement about his decision.  Otherwise, it looks like a sneaky politician, trying to pull a fast one, got caught misleading people."

Kind regards,

Gastrich for Governor, '03

http://jasongastrich.com