Republican Governors Association Chairman Haley Barbour issued the following statement congratulating Sean Parnell on being sworn in today as governor of Alaska:

“My fellow Republican governors and I welcome Governor Parnell as the newest RGA member. Alaska is uniquely positioned as a state to lead the transformation of how America produces and supplies its energy.  I am confident Governor Parnell will continue to move Alaska forward in harnessing that potential. The RGA looks forward to working with Governor Parnell on energy and other important issues.”

Barack Obama promised to reduce the tax burden, but Governor Jon Corzine has done just the opposite. In fact, the Courier-Post said of Corzine’s latest budget: “If the benchmark is to stop raising taxes on people who are wildly overtaxed, this budget doesn't even come close.”

Jon Corzine: All households making more than $75,000 per year will not receive property tax rebates this year. (Courier-Post, July 5, 2009).

Barack Obama: "If you make $250,000 a year or less, we will not raise your taxes. We will cut your taxes." (Remarks, Powder Springs, GA, July 8, 2008).

Jon Corzine: Property tax deductions for households making more than $150,000 will be reduced or eliminated.  (New York Times , June 26, 2009).

Barack Obama: "If you have a job, pay taxes and make less than $200,000 a year, you'll get a tax cut.” (October 2008 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJvkRFKGgGw).

Jon Corzine: “A 4 percent surcharge on corporate business tax liabilities that began in 2007 will be extended through 2010.” (The Star-Ledger, July 1, 2009).

With unemployment up 83 percent and a record that is opposite of Barack Obama’s promises, it’s no surprise that most New Jersey voters say Obama campaigning with Corzine will have no impact on who they will vote for in the governor’s race this fall.

The Republican Governors Association launched a new television advertisement today explaining why Jon Corzine is attacking Chris Christie. The ad also highlights that despite his 2005 campaign promises to the contrary, Corzine has raised taxes by billions of dollars. Unemployment is also up 73 percent since he became governor.

Visit http://www.JerseyPays.com/truthad to watch the ad.

“New Jersey can’t trust Jon Corzine. He promised to cut taxes and bring jobs to New Jersey, but he’s done exactly the opposite,” said RGA communications director Mike Schrimpf. “Now, Corzine knows he can’t defend his own record, so he’s falsely attacking Chris Christie. You need to watch what Corzine does, not what he says.”

The facts: 

• During the 2005 campaign, Corzine said “I believe in cutting property taxes” and “not higher taxes.”
• Jon Corzine raised taxes by nearly $1.9 billion in his very first budget and recently signed a state budget that hikes taxes by nearly another $1 billion. 
• When Corzine took office unemployment was at 4.8 percent.  By March 2009, unemployment had climbed to 8.3 percent.
• The Tax Foundation found that New Jersey has the worst business climate in the nation. 

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) announced raising more than $12.2 million through the end of June and reported a record $20.4 million cash on hand. Both totals significantly outpace where the RGA was at the same time four years ago, during the last two-race cycle and in 2006 when there was 36 races.  Earlier today, the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) announced raising $11.6 million.

 “The RGA’s ability to outraise the Democrats despite their control of the White House, Congress and majority of governorships, proves that more people than ever believe a Republican comeback begins with the 39 governors’ races that are taking place over the next two years,” said RGA Executive Director Nick Ayers.  “Our strong fundraising numbers and record cash on hand put us in position to compete in New Jersey and Virginia this year and in all our targeted states next year.”