Irony: Sen. Kieckhefer votes for tax increases, because he 'made a commitment'
Today, the Nevada Senate passed a $620 million tax increase. Freshman Sen. Ben Kieckhefer was one of four Senate Republicans to vote for the tax increase.
What's ironic here is a statement Kieckhefer made to Ray Hagar of the Reno Gazette-Journal. Hagar asked Kieckhefer if, after receiving numerous e-mails opposing his decision to raise taxes, the senator would reject tax increases.
The first-year senator from south Reno, who knocked off the sign-kickin' Ty Cobb in the GOP primary, says he remains a solid vote for the budget deal.While sticking to your commitments is an admirable quality, it's one Kieckhefer applies selectively. He did not keep the commitment he made to his constituents in 2010 - that he wouldn't vote for the sunset taxes - and he broke his word to them today.
"I made a commitment. I don't plan on breaking it." [Emphasis added]
Kieckhefer isn't the only Republican to break his word - Sen. Dean Rhoads, Sen. Joe Hardy, Sen. Mike McGinness and Gov. Brian Sandoval also fit that description.
