Norquist: Politics taking no toll on tax pledge

Campaign founder backs vow as some in GOP waver

WASHINGTON — Tax crusader Grover Norquist on Wednesday disputed claims that his campaign is losing steam, saying statements from prominent Republicans hinting at their departure from his pledge against higher taxes were “impure thoughts.”

Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, met with Politico’s Mike Allen to offer his thoughts on the looming “fiscal cliff” and the growing narrative that some Republicans, after years of tying themselves to his organization’s pledge not to raise taxes, may be ready to jump ship.

Most recently, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said in a meeting with the House Republican whip team Tuesday that Republicans should take the opportunity to extend the President George W. Bush-era tax cuts for 98 percent of Americans, calling it an “early Christmas present” for taxpayers.

Though Norquist commented that Cole’s recommendation was “an interesting tactic,” he held firm that his pledge remains viable, saying anyone who suggested that opposing tax increases is no longer in vogue is “an idiot.”

The pledge, Norquist claimed, “takes weasel words out” of campaign promises to cut taxes and provides voters a clear picture of a candidate’s stance, a stance he said the Republican Party has built its brand upon.

Norquist said signing the pledge is about informing voters and entrenching a pre-existing policy stance, instead of an oath of fealty to the organization and its cause.

“They don’t need my permission to raise taxes,” he said, saying such power lies in the hands of voters.