Why is George Della Signing Republican Pledges?

by: David Lublin

Thu Aug 16, 2007 at 10:26 AM EDT

Why on earth is Baltimore City Sen. George Della (D-46) signing Republican anti-tax pledges drafted by a DC Republican politico at the behest of arch-conservative Sen. Alex X. Mooney?

As I explain over at Maryland Politics Watch, a total of four Democrats have responded to Mooney's call to sign Grover Norquist's anti-tax pledge.  While three can claim to represent Republican-leaning or at least marginal districts, Della represents an utterly safe Democratic constituency in Baltimore City (67% for Cardin, 65% for O'Malley, 71% for Franchot, 73% for Gansler). Baltimore City isn't exactly know for being last in line at the State's fiscal trough either.

While I think Maryland Democrats need to think long and hard about how to approach this year's budget--not to mention the constroversial subject of slots--taking taxes off the table from the get-go hardly seems appropriate when the state is facing a $1.5 billion deficit.  Moreover, it seems funny that Alex X (no relation to Malcolm) didn't launch his petition drive when former Gov. Ehrlich was busily raising taxes to staunch the red ink.

In any case, Maryland Democrats should not be signing Republican pledges drafted by national lobbyists who live in Virginia.  It looks weak and undermines the governor even before he has unveiled his budget proposal.  Even if one wishes to hone an anti-tax image, there are other ways to do it without racing to score points for the Republicans.

Read after the jump to see Sen. Mooney's letter and the complete list of Maryland Dems who have signed on to it.

Sen. George Della (D-46).
Sen. Norman Stone (D-6).
Sen. Roy Dyson (D-29).
Del. John Wood (D-29A).

Dear Legislator,

You are invited to join the more than thirty-five Maryland Legislators who have signed the taxpayer Protection Pledge sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform in Washington, D.C. Enclosed is a copy of the Pledge form. You can return the form to me. You will join the nation's signers on the web site www.ATR.org.

The pledge is a promise you make to your constituents. It is not an oath to an organization. It is a statement by you to your voters. You are telling your voters you believe the rate of taxation is high enough to support the government we have. The pledge tells the people who vote for you, you are intending to protect them from an expansion of the size, scope and cost of government.

Grover Norquist, President of ART observed, "No one lost the last election by promising to reduce government spending." ART and President Norquist campaign ceaselessly in Washington and all state capitols for a reduction in the intrusion by government in our lives. ART recognizes the damage done by taxation and works to rein in spending everywhere.

The Taxpayer Protection Caucus will work with you to make the voters aware of your commitment to not spend their money. We have a history and plan. Join with other elected officials from Maryland who are keeping their promise to reduce the burden of government.

Support the rallying point for new candidates for the 2008 elections. Pledge signers can be proud to present a position favoring taxpayers. With all the confusion presented to the voters seize this opportunity to rally together and present a united front. We can prevail united. We can be effective now with a common position opposed to expanded government.

Sign your pledge today, I will forward it to Washington tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Senator Alex X. Mooney
Frederick and Washington Counties