RGA Ad: Argument Over Why Barrett’s Worst

Two Good Cases: More Taxes or Less Jobs?

“There are two schools of thought on why Tom Barrett has been a disaster: that he’s consistently raised taxes, or that he’s killed thousands of jobs.  Both sides make a pretty good case, but the truth is that the combination of the two would be lethal for Wisconsin if Tom Barrett were governor.”

– Tim Murtaugh, Republican Governors Association

The Republican Governors Association today launched a new television advertisement that features bar patrons vigorously arguing over why Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is the “all-time worst” politician for Wisconsin.  With the bartender as the narrator, the customers appear to be divided over whether Barrett is best defined for raising taxes or killing jobs.  The ad is supported by the website www.MayorTomBarrett.com.

“There are two schools of thought on why Tom Barrett has been a disaster: that he’s consistently raised taxes, and that he’s killed thousands of jobs,” said Tim Murtaugh, spokesman for the Republican Governors Association.  “Both sides make a pretty good case, but the truth is that the combination of the two would be lethal for Wisconsin if Tom Barrett were governor.”

As mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett has raised taxes each year he has been in office.  As a member of Congress, he voted for the largest tax increase in history, raising taxes on such things as gasoline and Social Security.  On his watch, dozens of Milwaukee businesses have closed and the unemployment rate has increased by more than 50-percent.

“While fall always means football in Wisconsin, this year it also means a serious choice about who will lead the state for the next four years,” Murtaugh said.  “So for Tom Barrett’s record, what’s worse?  More taxes, less jobs, or both?”