Kirk says tax cut may have to be reined in for war on terror
Posted on 04/23/2002 4:29:57 AM PDT by MeekOneGOP
Kirk says tax cut may have to be reined in for war on terror
04/23/2002
WASHINGTON - Democratic Senate nominee Ron Kirk said Monday that although he probably would have backed President Bush's tax cut last year, he now thinks it might need to be scaled back because of the terrorist attacks.
"Clearly, the events of Sept. 11 radically changed the economic landscape" by requiring spending on a war "that we did not anticipate," the former Dallas mayor said.
Mr. Kirk, who opposes Republican state Attorney General John Cornyn for the seat of retiring GOP Sen. Phil Gramm, met with a group of Texas reporters during his second visit to the capital since the April 9 Democratic primary runoff.
He also met with reporters from national news organizations and discussed fund-raising with party leaders. On Sunday, he and Mr. Cornyn presented their views on the Middle East and other issues to a closed meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Mr. Kirk was asked whether he felt the 2001 Bush tax cut was too big. "In retrospect, you could say it is," he replied, though he noted that "I probably would have supported it."
"You can argue whether that was the right size or if it should have been smaller, but I would have supported some tax cut for the American public," he said.
But after Sept. 11, he said, he is open to reviewing future cuts "on a case-by-case basis" to ensure that there is enough money to pay for the war on terrorism.
He said it would be "irresponsible," as President Bush has proposed, to make permanent the tax cuts in a way "that may totally compromise our ability to defend the country."
Mr. Kirk said that, in deciding to give up the Dallas mayoralty to run for the Senate, he took into account Mr. Bush's popularity in Texas.
"It's going to be a challenge," he acknowledged, adding, "I believe I can overcome that.
"We know how we feel about George Bush, and this election is not about how much Texans love George Bush."
He said in response to a question that he didn't plan to invite former President Bill Clinton to campaign for him. While he has great respect for Mr. Clinton and the former president is very interested in his race, Texas is "probably not the best place for the [former] president to begin his rehabilitation," Mr. Kirk said.
"Frankly, I don't want this race to be a referendum on Bill Clinton or George Bush," he said.
In discussing the Middle East, Mr. Kirk said he backed the Bush administration's efforts and declined to say whether he thought it should have acted sooner.
"We have to remain engaged," he emphasized. "And it has to be at a high level. With all due respect to [administration emissary] General [Anthony] Zinni, it's got to be at the secretary of state or the presidential level."
Mr. Kirk said he agreed with Secretary of State Colin Powell that Palestinian Liberation Organization Chairman Yasser Arafat must be part of any agreement. "He is the elected leader of that organization," Mr. Kirk said.
He also said, "Americans might be willing to cut Israel some slack in terms of them having to live with the daily horror of these suicide bombings.
"I think Israel should be given the latitude to defend themselves from the terrorist attacks."
E-mail cleubsdorf@dallasnews.com
He also said, "Americans might be willing to cut Israel some slack in terms of them having to live with the daily horror of these suicide bombings.
"I think Israel should be given the latitude to defend themselves from the terrorist attacks.
As per usual, Ron is speaking out of both sides of his mouth. Bush can not work with him or any other Dem. that has been apparent in the gridlock of late.
Wonder why?
Gramm wanted at A&M
Regents swamped with requests to consider senator for president
http://www.dallasnews.com/texassouthwest/stories/042302dntexgramm.a4ab.html
DEFEAT KIRK IN NOVEMBER.... TAX AND SPEND DEMOCRAT....
DEMOCRATS POWER MAY HAVE TO BE REINED IN FOR WAR ON TERROR
Oops, I forgot: he's a member of the Dimocratic Party, where you check your intellect at the door.
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