Oh, terrific!

This guy wants to appeal to conservatives, but has proposed a huge tax hike, or should I say "tax swap" (with him keeping the float), one that will fall directly on the backs of small businesses including the trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, hairdressers, in addition to a few professions.

And he wants to do it while the economy is in the worst shape it's been in in years -- thanks to his buddy Jon Corzine!

Chris Daggett stands absolutely no chance of being elected. His numbers are cratering. Anyone who votes for him is automatically handing over the decision of who will be the next Governor to someone else.

It is a wasted vote.

In fact, a vote for Chris Daggett at this point amounts to a vote for Jon Corzine . . . two for one. No thanks!

by Trochilus

it is Corzine and Daggett.

Christie may be too liberal for many conservatives, but he is a hell of a lot better than Daggett.

Like Corzine, Daggett favors a sales tax solution to address property tax problems.

Like Corzine, Daggett embraces the same left wing social agenda.

Like Corzine, Daggett believes central planning can fix everything.

Like Corzine, Daggett believes we don't have enough government programs.

...Dagget had been the one on the republican ticket - and he is a republican - this race would not be as tight as it is. Corzine would be way behind in the polls and a moderate republican (as opposed to an angry republican) would be measuring the drapes at Drumthwacket and we'd all be spared the last few months of negative, issues-free campaigning.

Daggett needs to give up already.

Some plan!

According to reliable estimates, (OLS) Daggett's new tax hike would have to raise approximately 3.9 billion in new revenues to accomplish what says he intends to do with it, such as swapping it for property tax relief -- and keeping the float in Trenton.  You still pay, but it is just taken out of a different pocket.

Only slightly over one-third of that tax money could be squeezed out of the professions in what would be their brand new role as service tax collectors -- about 1.5 billion.

The remaining two-thirds of the revenue -- about 2.4 billion -- would have to come from putting the squeeze on the trades and turning them into tax collectors for performing their services as well.  

That would be imposed on the carpenters, hair dressers, plumbers -- you name it!

And keep in mind, that additional 7% collection would be immediately passed on to the consumers.

That would be us.

Gee, just what we need when we're trying to make ends meet. So for anyone who was right on the edge of "affordability" when it comes to taking on the new expense, this new tax will kill the idea.

Is that what working people in the trades and professions need?  Can anyone seriously argue that is anything but a very bad plan . . . especially now that Jon Corzine has driven the state's economy right into the ground?

More taxes, and a financial disincentive for people needing such services!

Quick! Someone name ONE legislator who has come out in support of this idiotic plan -- Democrat or Republican?

Hello? Anyone out there?

by Trochilus

The Tax swap that Daggett is proposing has been tried before and in a similar manner in 2006. The sales tax was increased 15% and expanded to include cosmetic dentistry and plastic surgery and health and country club memberships and half of it dedicated to go to property tax relief. How did that work out? I'm not a conspiracy theorist but Daggett is a strawman for the Corzine/dem campaign. His triumph would be to beat Sabin's 5%

Sade,

If only your comment was accurate, then perhaps you would be able to explain why Jon Corzine's Democrat State Committee was making robo-calls into heavily Republican areas in Somerset County and elsewhere today, urging voters to go out and vote for Chris Daggett?

The fact is that Jon Corzine is so desperate that he will do anything to buy himself re-election.  ANYTHING.  And that includes nodding his head like a bobble-doll when Daggett says,"I have a plan!"

And foxtrot is absolutely right.  Daggett is Jon Corzine's strawman.

But the people of New Jersey are not buying Jon Corzine's snake oil any more.  They know that he really has a secret plan that it is going to involve the contents of their pockets!

And, they are not buying Chris Daggett's particular brand of tax-hike either!

Halloween is over.  No more dressing a huge tax increase up with a pretty little bow and calling it "a plan."

by Trochilus

I would guess that Daggett made this statement before he knew the Democrat State Committee would be admitting that they were paying for Daggett's robo-calls.

So who's join to who's hip?

I have no idea and can't explain anything that happens any more! All I do know is that the republicans have mounted an effective campaign to undo Daggett's gains & his campaign has fallen right into their hands by this latest twist in the game. It's going to be a long night tomorrow night!

If you want to vote for Dagget because you want Corzine back in office and then want to complain for the next 4 years with ..but I voted for Dagget, no one's gonna buy it.  Stop trying to pretend Dagget is anywhere near a Republican or Conservative.  Those of us who are know he's left wing and has guaranteed he will raise taxes.  Call it whatever tax your like.  At the end of the day we will have less money in our pockets if Dagget or Corzine are elected.

Nicely put, RepublicAnn.

That is indeed the bottom line.

It is time for everyone to realize that Corzine and Daggett were not just flirting. They had gone and gotten a room. And they were fully expecting that the rest of us would be left pick up the tab in the morning!

by Trochilus