By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
A new poll released by Gov. Robert Bentley’s non-profit, Alabama Council for Excellent Government claims, that Alabama Republicans would rather have their taxes increased than see government services cut.
This fits the actual definition of incredible, in other words, the poll results are not credible.
Here’s a good test: if you are a Republican, call up 5 of your friends, and ask which they preferred: pay more taxes or cut Medicaid spending? If 68 percent said that would rather have their taxes raised, then you should believe the Governor’s poll.
Also ask them if they want to pay more taxes or see cuts to preventive health care services, if 77 said raise my taxes then you can trust this poll.
Does anyone actually believe that 83 percent of Republicans would rather pay more taxes than endure fewer restaurant inspections.
AL.com reported the poll showing, “62 percent of likely GOP voters saying they would rather Republican lawmakers vote to raise taxes on cigarettes, soft drinks and close the loophole that allows some Alabamians to deduct their federal income tax from their state taxes rather than cut funding to Medicaid, preventive health care programs or cut funding to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management or ADEM.”
Most republicans I know would close the Alabama Department of Environmental Management in a New York minute. Is it possible that Republicans would truly want to pay more taxes on sweet tea or Dr. Thunder?
This is as close to perpetrating a fraud as can be imagined by a Republican governor.
Most Republicans are baffled with Bentley’s new found obsession with raising taxes. People I hear from are concerned, confused, and asking who is giving him such bad advice.
Bentley is a good man; most all would agree. And while some of his proposals make some sense, this poll cannot be taken seriously by anyone who even knows 5 Republicans.
Perhaps the Governor is just channeling George Strait:
“I got some ocean front property in Arizona. From my front porch you can see the sea. I got some ocean front property in Arizona. If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free…
