Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) congratulates businessman Jonathan McConnell for signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which is a written commitment to the people of Alabama to oppose higher taxes. McConnell is running in a primary race against incumbent Senator Richard Shelby. Senator Shelby has been a signatory of the Pledge since taking office in 1987. The primary is set to take place on March 1, 2016.
McConnell serves as President of Meridian Global Consulting LLC, a company that provides security and intelligence work to clients around the world. McConnell started the company after serving in the United States Marine Corps, leaving with the rank of Captain and was awarded the Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Service.
“I want to congratulate Jonathan McConnell for taking the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Until you take tax increases firmly off the table, true and lasting spending restraint is impossible,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.
“The American people are tired of the tax-and-spend policies coming from Washington and they are looking for solutions that create jobs, cut government spending, and get the economy going again. Signing the Pledge is the first step in that process.”
Candidates running for office like to say they will not raise taxes, but often turn their backs on the taxpayer once elected. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge requires these candidates to put their rhetoric in writing. It is offered to every candidate for state and federal office and to all incumbents. Nearly 1,400 elected officials, from state representatives to governors to US Senators and Presidential candidates, have signed the Pledge.
“We are very excited about his commitment to the taxpayers of Alabama,” continued Norquist.
ATR will continue to follow this race closely and will provide additional updates as more candidates sign the Pledge.