Bob Taft for US Senate

We at Republicans for Higher Taxes were deeply saddened by the sudden retirement of our icon Senator George Voinovich. Voinovich is the godfather the Republican tax-and-spend movement in Ohio. His demands for higher taxes on everything from soda pop to Sales Taxes for football owners dawned a new era of prosperity for Ohio. Voinovich's tax-and-spend successes paved the way for proven tax-hikers Bob Taft, Jim Petro, Betty Montgomery, Nancy Hollister, and Jennette Bradley to follow his path.

But from this dark cloud came a bright new sun. Governor Bob Taft has decided to run and he was kind enough to post his announcement here. Republicans for Higher Taxes are proud to announce our unanimous endorsement for former Governor Bob Taft for US Senate. If there is anyone fit to follow in Senator George Voinovich's footsteps, it's Bob Tax. As Governor, Taft was a tax-hiking champion just as great as Voinvich. His Sales Tax increase made Ohio prosperous. His Gas Tax increase helped Ohio motorists every time they drove their cars. The Taft/Schmidt/Lovitt Hotel Tax increase for Hamilton County forced Sharonville's numerous hookers to contribute to the government every time they laid down for business.

We don't believe that the four criminal convictions Taft earned while serving as Governor should disqualify him from this race. They were just minor crimes. Jean Schmidt did the same thing and she's gone on to serve us proudly as a Congresswoman. We believe only great things could happen with Schmidt in the House and Taft in the Senate, each fighting for higher taxes.

Many have rallied around former Congressman Rob Portman but we will not. We can't think of a single tax increase Portman has supported, and he's voted for numerous tax cuts. Portman has consistently put the financial needs of families over the financial needs of the government. We find that totally unacceptable. And besides, just because he got over 70% of the vote in his 2nd District races while Jean Schmidt can barely win in the same district, doesn't mean he's a good candidate. He was just lucky. Once voters know of his opposition to tax increases he has no chance.

Taft can no longer rely on Tom Noe to fund his campaigns, which means we will have to run a grass roots campaign this time. But make no mistake, once voters learn of Taft's pro-tax record and Portman's history of opposing tax increases, Taft is going to win this race!

Taft Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate

Comrades,


I'm coming to you today to announce some exciting news. Ohio is facing challenges unlike those we have ever witnessed. In times like these, we need real leadership. That's why, after much consultation, I have decided to seek the United States Senate seat currently held by George Voinovich.

Right now, in Washington D.C., we are witnessing the gathering of one of the greatest collections of tax hikers and big spenders in history. Does anyone doubt that I should be among them? It is only right that I take my rightful place next to great Republican tax hikers like Olympia Snowe, Arlen Specter, and Lincoln Chafee. We need Republicans in the Senate who will work with the Obama Administration to increase spending, and enact massive tax increases. I am just the man for the job.

I vow to you to never be outdone by President Obama. If he proposes a tax, I will counter with an even higher one. When he asks for a $1.5 trillion dollar bailout plan, I will respond with a $3 trillion plan of my own. I promise that I will fight to raise taxes on capital gains, gasoline, income, inheritance, savings, investments, and everything in between.

The Federal government needs our money. In fact, they have an inherent right to it. Free market, capitalist principles will find no shelter in a Bob Taft Senate. Remember Ohians, bigger government is always the answer. The more oppressive and intrusive the better. After all, we all understand that politicians and bureaucrats know better how to spend your money than you do.

I will be kicking off a three city campaign tour aboard my bus, The Tax Hike Express. We will start in Hamilton County by visiting Sharonville and Blue Ash; two fine examples of Republican High-tax elected leadership. From there we will move on to the metropolis of Middletown, which benefited greatly from my leadership as Governor.

I hope I can count on your support. I have already collected the endorsement of numerous outstanding Republican tax hikers: Virgil Lovitt, Simon Leis, Rick Bryan, Jim Sumner, Jean Schmidt, Michelle Schneider, Bob Bennett, Jo Ann Davidson, Bill Seitz, Dale VanVyven, and Mary Anne Christie.

With your help, I can do for the entire nation what I did for Ohio. Please contact every good Ohio Republican that you know and ask them to throw their support behind me for the United States Senate. We will need a lot of grass roots support, because I don't think I'll be getting large campaign donations from Tom Noe this time around.

Yours in taxes,

Governor Bob Taft

2008 Enemy of the Treasury - Chris Monzel

Yesterday we promised that today we would name our 2008 anti-tax Enemy of the Treasury. Sadly, we had no problems finding a deserving winner. This individual has been a thorn in our side, opposing all of our noble efforts to raise taxes on every citizen in Southwest Ohio.

For his tireless efforts to oppose higher taxes and limit spending, we award Chris Monzel our 2008 Enemy of the Treasury. He has earned his spot on our Wall of Shame, joining our 2007 Enemy Pat DeWine.

Each year Monzel has led the fight to freeze city property taxes so that homeowners do not receive an automatic tax increase. This move has saved Cincinnati homeowners millions of dollars over the years. They do not deserve this money. City Council could spend this money far better than Cincinnati homeowners ever could.

When ultra pro-tax David Crowley and other liberals on City Council wanted to implement Red Light Cameras to raise money and track our movements, Monzel voted against them and was the only member of City Council to actively campaign against them. This is unacceptable to us, especially after we endorsed these cameras. Even though they don't increase public safety, they're still great. These cameras would have brought more money into city coffers and would have enabled the government to better record our movements around the city.

Just two months ago when the City Manager wanted to install a big trash collection fee to collect more money from city residents and businesses, it was Monzel who stepped up and led the opposition. Now the city can't afford to give millions more to The Freedom Center and the Mayor wasn't able to add another staffer (or another Scottie).

Worst of all, Monzel was the only member of City Council to oppose the big Sales Tax increase generously brought to us by David Pepper, Todd Portune, and Simon Leis. The fact that 60% of the city's voters also opposed it is no excuse. By disobeying instructions from party leaders, Monzel showed that the opinions of the commoners mean more to him than the wishes of party leaders like Bill Seitz and Simon Leis. We were dismayed when Monzel offered commentary on the design of the proposed jail. Just because he is a veteran engineer at GE doesn't mean he knows squat about building things. Besides, we already had the opinions of Tax Hike Seitz and David Pepper, and as we know those two are experts on everything.

As you see, Monzel has built an appalling record of opposing higher taxes and more spending. We expect the Republican Party to do something about this. Defending the taxpayers on 4 big issues in just 14 months is shameful indeed, and well deserving of our 2008 Enemy of the Treasury Award.

Announcement - 2008 Enemy to be awarded tomorrow

Fellow tax hikers, we at the Executive Committee of Republicans for Higher Taxes have made a final decision to name our anti-tax 2008 Enemy of the Treasury winner. This person will be named and added to our Wall of Shame tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM. Tune in to our site tomorrow and at that time you'll learn our winner.

This award is given to an anti-tax enemy who has worked hard to prevent citizens from being forced to pay more of their money to the government. We can assure everyone we have found a deserving winner of this shameful award for this past year.

Mikal Steers - 2008 Deputy Tax Hiker of the Year

As 2008 comes to a close, we take the time to bestow an honor upon one of this county's greatest tax hikers. Deputy Sheriff Mikal Steers deserves special mention for his inspiring efforts to raise our Hamilton County taxes. A true disciple of our great Sheriff Simon Leis, Steers has lobbied, organized, attacked, and threatened to try to get his way.

Due to his tireless work to raise our taxes, we proudly award Mikal Steers our 2008 Deputy Tax Hiker of the Year. We think this title fits him perfectly. He is in fact a deputy for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department. And by designating him as a Deputy Tax Hiker, we make sure this doesn't in any way diminish Virgil Lovitt's 2008 Tax Hiker of the Year award. Our dear friend Virg worked very hard to earn that award and nothing should ever take away his accomplishment.

We first profiled Deputy Steers in September when he publicly implored the Commissioners to once again disregard the voters and implement a Sales Tax increase. His work did not stop there. When the Commissioners held 3 public hearings on the budget, Steers organized his fellow deputies to show up in force to these meetings. Together, they pleaded for higher taxes and lobbied, insulted, and threatened all who would not raise taxes.

An Enquirer writeup of the final budget hearing quoted Deputy Steers threatening the Commissioners, "We all vote. We all have families and friends who vote. If you fail to act and put our officers on the unemployment line, I and every other man and woman in this room will vote to make sure you join us in the unemployment line next November."

Steers is right to do this. By not disobeying the voters, we will have a crime wave like we've never seen before. Murderers will be turned loose immediately. Nobody will serve their sentences. Crime will run rampant.

We know they told us this would happen if Issue 27 failed. It failed, and as a result crime decreased in 2008 and we've had even less early releases (prior to closing Queensgate) than we had the last couple years. But this time they mean it! If we don't do what they say and raise taxes soon, we will have the worst crime crisis ever. We know we said the same thing last year and it didn't happen, but we were just playing around then. We're serious this time.

Light posting alert

As you may have noticed we tax hikers decided to take some time off to recharge our batteries. After working tirelessly for months to elect our man Virgil Lovitt we feel exhausted and in need of rest before we start up again. We may do one more post before the end of the year.

Come January, Republicans for Higher Taxes will be back as a force. We have much work to do for 2009. At the top of the list is making sure tax hikers Leslie Ghiz and Chris Bortz are either elected to City Council or promoted to Mayor. That's right. You heard it here first. We are seriously considering whether we should have Ghiz or Bortz run for Mayor. Be ready to join us for a busy 2009.

A tax on flatulence

It's time to pay for all those farts. In one of the best ideas from the federal government we've heard in years, the US Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to place a tax on our farmers for all the rude belching and farting done by their animals.

Note: this would not apply to members of Cincinnati City Council.

Our government needs more money and these are the kind of ideas we need to raise revenues. Nobody wants to be around cows and hogs who fart and belch all day, so let's tax them.

Monzel opposes Trash Tax Hike

Chris Monzel has gone too far this time. Last month he opposed a big property tax hike for city homeowners and party leaders did nothing to stop him. Now in November he is opposing a big Trash Tax increase! This madness must stop. It is completely unacceptable for a Republican to oppose a big new tax hike in two consecutive months. If he or anyone from his staff attends today's COAST press conference opposing the trash tax, we will be more upset than we've been in weeks.

In times like these sacrifice must be made. But not by the government. It is the citizens who should make do with less so the government can have more. City government needs that money more than its citizens. Without a big tax increase, how can the city continue to give millions of dollars to The Freedom Center? How can they afford to push City Manager's Milton Dohoney's salary to over $200,000/year? The man has to eat.

This tax increase would cost city residents over $200 per year, and businesses $240/year. That's nothing. We think it's a small price to pay to make sure Cincinnati's government can spend everything it wants.

Chris Monzel must be prohibited from opposing any further tax increases for city homeowners. Party leaders must step in and enforce discipline. For two consecutive months Monzel has opposed a tax increase and nothing has been done about it. Imagine what could happen if Monzel goes 3, 4, or 5 consecutive months opposing a brand new tax hike. It's time for the Republican Party to support the Trash Tax and make sure anyone who does otherwise is properly disciplined for their disobedience.

Our 100th post

Fellow tax hikers, we at Republicans for Higher Taxes are delighted to celebrate our 100th post since we started this site last year. This has not just been a powerful blog, it has been the coming together of the Republicans for Higher Taxes Movement that has existed in our area for many years, but not yet come together as one. We have brought everyone together under one intellectual roof and organized to make sure that our Republican Party is the party of higher taxes.

We dedicate this post to you, our loyal readers. We take you back through memory lane of the greatest posts our site has ever written. And we ask for your vote. We want all of our loyal tax hikers to tell us, what was your favorite post from Republicans for Higher Taxes. Is it:

A) Our inaugural post. The post that started it all. Where we served warning to the anti-taxers that we would be fighting them.

B) Bill Seitz, 2007 Tax Hiker of the Year. One of our most profound postings ever. Not only did we honor Bill Seitz for all his efforts to raise taxes, but we created our legendary Tax Hiker of the Year Award, which is perhaps what we are most known for.

C) Condemning Chris Monzel for opposing tax increases. With this post we served notice that we will be here to condemn Chris Monzel's efforts to oppose tax increases for Cincinnati homeowners and taxpayers, and publicly reprimanded him for opposing the Sales Tax increase that nearly 60% of city voters voted against.

D) Bob Taft's press release. We joined our tax-hiking Commissioners and Sheriff in condemning COAST for writing a press release that claimed our great former Governor Bob Taft had endorsed Issue 27.

E) Pat DeWine - Enemy of the Treasury. Here we exposed Pat DeWine for being the tax-cutter he is, and made sure everyone knows how hard he works to keep our taxes down. We can't imagine how DeWine ever recovered from such criticism.

F) Prostitution in Sharonville. Our work to compliment Virgil Lovitt for his job creation in Sharonville. By turning Sharonville into Hamilton County's prostitution capital, ole' Virg created good, high paying jobs for his town, and we were so happy to be able to point out this accomplishment to the voters.

G) Virgil Lovitt - 2008 Tax Hiker of the Year. Our most-read and most influential post ever. When Lovitt was competing to get the Republican nomination for State Rep, we unleashed this post which gave him the momentum needed to secure the win. This post was also used in campaign ads in the fall election.

H) Favorite Virgil Lovitt tax hike. Generated numerous responses! A reader favorite.

I) Mustache Power. We discovered the power of the 'stache in local politics.

J) Governor Bob Taft's Endorsements. We feel so fortunate to have our great former Governor here on staff. He is a great ally, a world class tax hiker, and a wonderful writer.

Give us your vote! We hope you have enjoyed our trip down memory lane. So many great posts to choose from, we felt bad having to leave some other great ones out. We want to know what posts you have enjoyed the most.

Save Sean Donovan's job

Hamilton County budget news just gets worse and worse. Now we have discovered that the county administration is recommending that our great Sheriff Simon Leis eliminate his Chief Deputy position, which would mean the loss of our loyal friend and ally Sean Donovan. We must not let this happen. We must unite to save Donovan's job.

Imagine a world where Simon Leis had to get his own coffee. Imagine a world where Simon Leis had to drive his own car. Imagine Si Leis having to show up to events by himself. Imagine what would happen if Simon Leis had to shine his own shoes, pick out his own clothes, and kiss his own ass.

It is more clear than ever why we need to tax our way out of this problem. When you are facing a revenue shortage, the solution is to generate more revenue which means raising taxes. Why don't our leaders get it? Fellow tax hikers - we need you to contact our County Commissioners and explain to them the importance of raising taxes so we can preserve Sean Donovan's important job.

Hamilton County needs higher taxes now

Recent news articles (such as here, here, and here) have revealed the serious financial problems of our own Hamilton County. Just because Todd Portune has been a Commissioner for 8 years, and been President of the Board for the last 2, does not mean we blame him for this in any way. Sadly our Commissioners are talking about making major spending cuts. This is not necessary.

More than ever, we need tax increases now. We must tax our way out of this problem. If the county commissioners raise taxes now they wouldn't have to make any spending cuts. We expect the citizens would go along with this. Everyone understands that David Pepper and Todd Portune need this money more than the residents do.

We suggest one of the two following tactics to raise taxes:

1) With the support of Virgil Lovitt, immediately implement a Sales Tax increase themselves, without allowing the citizens to vote on it. The Commissioners have the authority to do this.

2) Close down the Queensgate jail. By eliminating hundreds of jail spaces, this will create the public pressure necessary to pass a Jail Tax that we can use to build a new jail and divert money to the operating budget!

These solutions would work. This is no time to cut spending or control costs. Residents must understand that they must do with less so the government can have more.

We almost forgot - we condemn Pat DeWine for his refusal to support tax increases. He should know what all of us here know, that raising taxes is the only acceptable solution to addressing projected budget shortfalls.

Election Reaction

On the federal level we are overwhelmed with feelings of hope and change. We were so ecstatic to see tax-hikers Jean Schmidt and Barack Obama elected by our great people. Together, they can continue the mission to raise taxes. With Obama in the White House and solid pro-tax majorities (including Schmidt) in both Houses, we are due for some massive tax increases and we think it's great! This election proves that tax-hikers of both parties are the future of this country.

Let us say some more fine words about Jean Schmidt. We are very impressed by her 45% showing in this safe Republican district. This should send a message to everyone that we love Jean and her seat is safe for as long as she wants it. Her record of raising taxes, spending increases, and landslide victories is one we all can be proud of.

On the state and local levels, some progress was made for our cause. It was great to see our man Bill Seitz get elected easily, for example, but ultimately we are still feeling depressed over the crushing defeat of Virgil Lovitt. We worked so hard to make sure everyone knew of his great tax-and-spend record.

This loss represents a significant setback to our movement. Having a great tax-hiker like Lovitt advocating for us in Columbus, and using the job as a stepping stone to run for County Commissioner, would have been great for our side. We are also afraid that our anti-tax enemies will use Virg's loss as an example of why we shouldn't run tax-and-spend Republicans in swing districts.

In spite of Virg's loss, Republicans for Higher Taxes will still be going strong. Once we get over our depression we will celebrate all of our wins Tuesday night. We will continue fighting for higher taxes and higher spending, both of which we expect much more of from the federal government. We will also continue fighting to make sure the Republican Party remains the party of higher taxes and higher spending. Tax us more!