Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger chastised Gov. Beverly Perdue Tuesday for using the state jet to fly across the state to rallies promoting her proposal to raise taxes by up to $1.5 billion.
"It is hard to believe Gov. Perdue is serious about cutting wasteful state spending," Berger said in a statement, "when she jets off on a taxpayer-funded, five-day 'Tax Hike Tour' in a state airplane."
Perdue's tax increase would burden families already suffering from the recession, he said.
Perdue led rallies encouraging public support for her proposal to raise taxes, saying the revenue is needed to avoid crippling cuts in education.
Perdue, "as all governors, has an obligation to travel the state and talk to citizens about the challenges confronting us, especially during these difficult economic times," said spokeswoman Chrissy Pearson. "The teachers and parents who would be affected (by cuts) deserve to hear that the governor is willing to stand up to protect the classroom."




Re: Governing on a jet plane
Speaking of talking points:
"Republicans should be more patriotic and be willing to make the sacrifices required to prevent teacher lay-offs, larger class sizes, and cutting school programs, rather than pander to people's selfish interests."
Where did that one come from? A box of Cracker Jacks or Sesame Street?
And about the pandering. I'm guessing you don't see any pandering going on to the teachers and their union? You don't see any pandering to the Democratic base?
But what can you expect from those "less than patriotic" Republicans who will not keep Bev's teachers happy. How can you get reelected if the opposition party will not keep your base happy? What is the world coming to?