She told reporters she hasn’t given up on passing tax cuts this year – including a sales tax deduction for residents of the half-dozen states, such as Washington, that lack income taxes.
Murray said she needs a Republican to cross over in support to extend the tax deduction and get over the 60-vote hurdle for closing debate to allow a vote. She said the sales tax deduction has always been a bipartisan issue.
“It’s a political time right now. I’m assuming that’s what they are doing. This has been extended before in a bipartisan way before, and I am assuming we will get it done after the election. But right now, they are blocking it,” she said.
She made her appearance as Rossi’s campaign launched an ad that says 18 years of Patty Murray in the Senate is enough. The ad blames Murray for “record deficits, high unemployment (and) massive debt.”
Murray blamed Republicans for halting progress in Congress – including recent efforts to extend some of the Bush-era tax breaks. The Senate vote will wait until after the Nov. 2 election, even if the House moves ahead sooner, Murray said.
Murray told supporters at the rally that the race against Rossi will go down to the wire. She asked people negatively affected by the economy to contribute time instead, and she said volunteers can provide “the power to make sure we win in November.”
She said she differs from Rossi on many issues – the Democrats’ passage of Wall Street banking reforms, stopping an Air Force tanker contract from going to Europe-based Airbus, helping military women and veterans, getting Medicaid and school aid this summer to the states, stopping tax breaks to companies that shift jobs overseas, and passing a bill to assist regional banks and small businesses.
William LaVigne was one of the first to reach for a pen and sign up to volunteer after Murray finished talking. Asked what makes Murray appeal to him, he said she has good ideas and works to get them put into action – ideas such as securing additional clinics for military veterans and help to deal with combat-related brain injuries.
LaVigne signed up to knock on doors for Murray and also wrote a check; he said it was for $100.
Pearl Edwards of Tumwater, who retired from managing a medical office, credited Murray with work for military veterans, halting the tanker contract that was not going to Boeing, and helping pass health insurance reform.
“I‘ve been down there twice (to the campaign) to make phone calls, and I signed up to make more,” Edwards said.
Rossi was campaigning in Yakima on Saturday, and he planned stops today in Anacortes, Everett and Arlington.
Brad Shannon: 360-753-1688 bshannon@theolympian.com www.theolympian.com/ politicsblog
