AR GOP, Dems Have War of Words Over Platform, Taxes
By: Jonathan Athens, KARK 4 News
Updated: September 17, 2012
Arkansas Republicans accused Democrats of spinning an issue where they say it does not exist, Democrats say the GOP needs explain what they intend to do when it comes to taxes.
The flashpoint of this latest fight happened today when the state Democratic Party issued a news release that claims the GOP adopted into it's platform a promise to raise the state sales tax.
The GOP's new platform does not say that. It reads that it aims to "replace the state income tax with a more equitable method of taxation."
"The Democrats after 138 years of controlling Arkansas will say and do anything to hold onto that control," said Arkansas GOP Party Chairman Doyle Webb.
Democrats say the Republicans, by their language in the platform, are being deliberately vague and trying to deflect from their fiscal record.
Arkansas Democratic Party spokeswoman Candace Martin said: "They need to answer exactly how they propose to do that (come up with an alternative)."
The GOP adopted it's platform last week in Hot Springs. Democrats are slated to adopt their new platform on Aug. 18.
The flashpoint of this latest fight happened today when the state Democratic Party issued a news release that claims the GOP adopted into it's platform a promise to raise the state sales tax.
The GOP's new platform does not say that. It reads that it aims to "replace the state income tax with a more equitable method of taxation."
"The Democrats after 138 years of controlling Arkansas will say and do anything to hold onto that control," said Arkansas GOP Party Chairman Doyle Webb.
Democrats say the Republicans, by their language in the platform, are being deliberately vague and trying to deflect from their fiscal record.
Arkansas Democratic Party spokeswoman Candace Martin said: "They need to answer exactly how they propose to do that (come up with an alternative)."
The GOP adopted it's platform last week in Hot Springs. Democrats are slated to adopt their new platform on Aug. 18.
