June 1, 2006

Why You Can't Trust Rochelle''s "No Income Tax" Promise

Today, the Jackson Sun editorial page again called for the creation of a state income tax.

Also, Thursday's Nashville City Paper reports on former state Sen. Bob Rochelle's promise to vote against an income tax if he is returned to the state Senate by the people of the 17th district. Rochelle, a Lebanon Democrat, was the author and sponsor of the income tax proposal during the Sundquist administration. He retired four years ago rather than face certain defeat at the polls. Now, he says, he's a changed man - but there is good reason to doubt him. The City Paper reports from Rochelle's press conference:

"Four years ago in the middle of a crisis, I felt we had to act. But times have changed," Rochelle said. "I will vote against an income tax that is not approved by a vote of the people. Put very simply: no vote, no tax."

At the same time, Rochelle would not say if he still, in theory, supports an income tax for the state, saying only, "It's a dead issue. It's an issue that's not going to be coming up in the Legislature."

Although Rochelle faces a primary challenger in Lebanon attorney Aubrey Givens, he directed his rhetoric at the incumbent, Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet.

"The tax debate of four years ago created a massive distraction for the state … [and] resulted in the election of some sub-par, single-issue candidates who have shown no ability to get things done," Rochelle said, referring specifically to Beavers.

Beavers took no time firing back. "The distraction was caused by him pushing an income tax that the people of Tennessee clearly did not want," she said.

Beavers also questioned Rochelle's commitment to standing up against tax increases. "He didn't listen before when the people stormed the Capitol and banged on the doors of the chamber. What makes us think he'll listen now?" Beavers asked.

Update: Mark Rose says don't trust Rochelle, and doesn't think much of Bob Rochelle's chances...

Update: The Tennessee Republican Party has done a little digging into Rochelle's past advocacy of the state income tax, which provides good reasons not to trust him now. See this post.