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Posted on 09/07/2001 10:47:26 AM PDT by Politico2

Ben Stein: McGreevey Means 'Higher Taxes'

By Mark H. Rodeffer , NationalJournal.com
© National Journal Group Inc.
Friday, Sept. 7, 2001

In a parody of the boring high school economics teacher he played in the 1986 film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," actor Ben Stein lampoons New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jim McGreevey (D) in two Club For Growth television ads, saying McGreevey raised taxes on everything from gasoline to pizza.

In the first ad, Stein asks bored-looking students in a classroom: "OK, class, who knows which candidate for governor voted for [former Democratic Gov.] Jim Florio's tax increase?" Stein tells the students that McGreevey "raised property taxes by 71 percent," which means "less money for your parents" -- and, a girl in the class says, "no fun" for the students.

In the second ad, Stein asks the same students to name "something that Jim McGreevey raised taxes on." Student offer the answers "houses," "gas" and "income," and Stein praises the students for each correct answer. To the last student's answer, "pizza," Stein responds: "Yes, pizza, too. Jim McGreevey voted for the largest tax increase in New Jersey history."

The first spot, titled "Class," went up statewide on cable today for "about a week," and the second ad, called "Record," will run after that, Club For Growth Executive Director David Keating said. The anti-tax group is currently raising money to run a third ad later in the campaign. Keating said the Club For Growth will spend "up to $500,000" on the media buy for the first two ads. All three ads were produced by Red Sea.

In the race for governor McGreevey is 19 points ahead of his GOP opponent, former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler, according to a recent poll.

Script of "Class" (TV)

BEN STEIN: OK, class, who knows which candidate for governor voted for Jim Florio's tax increase? It was Jim McGreevey.

(Stein points to flip chart reading "McGreevey = Florio") Then as Woodbridge mayor, McGreevey raised property taxes by 71 percent.

(Stein points to chart reading, "Property taxes up 71%") Jim McGreevey means higher taxes and less money for your parents. For you that means...

STUDENT: No fun.

BEN STEIN: Exactly.

(On screen: Paid for by the Club for Growth; www.clubforgrowth.org)

Script of "Record" (TV)

BEN STEIN: OK, class, can anyone tell me something that Jim McGreevey raised taxes on?

BILLY: Houses?

BEN STEIN: Good, Billy. McGreevey raised property taxes by 71 percent. Anything else?

(Stein points to chart reading, "Property taxes up 71%")

TINA: Gas?

BEN STEIN: Good, Tina.

STUDENT NO. 1: Oh, income taxes.

BEN STEIN: Very nice.

STUDENT NO. 2: Pizza?

BEN STEIN: Yes, pizza, too. Jim McGreevey voted for the largest tax increase in New Jersey history. You guys are really catching on to the McGreevey tax record. Very nice.

(On screen: Paid for by the Club for Growth; www.clubforgrowth.org)

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