Bredesen's 42% Problem
Democrat gubernatorial nominee Phil Bredesen has correctly noted during his campaign that Tennessee's recent fiscal problems are the result of spending growing too rapidly - far surpassing inflation and population growth, and outstripping the growth of spending in most other states. He says he's against the income tax, that it is "not the right solution" for the state budget shortfalls that grew chronically worse each year as the current governor proposed one billion-dollar spending increase on top of another.

I believe Bredesen is against the income tax. I also believe that even if he secretly believes an income tax would be a fairer tax, or a more stable tax, or even just a better way to flood state treasuries with money to splurge, Phil Bredesen is too smart to propose an income tax, and knows the political costs would be too great.

Which leads to a few observations, some which I'll pose in the form of questions.

1. Phil Bredesen has a BIG problem. During his 8 years as mayor of Nashville, Bredesen's solution to not having enough money to spend was to RAISE the property tax. Three times. The effective property tax rate rose 42% on the average home. Voters averse to all tax increases, not just to the income tax, are going to have a hard time voting for Bredesen.

2. If the legislature passed an income tax, would a Gov. Hilleary be more likely to sign it ... or veto it?

3. If the legislature passed an income tax, would a Gov. Bredesen be more likely to sign it ... or veto it?