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Santorum Signs ATR Pledge

By Jared Edgerton, Contributing Writer

Yesterday, in his first campaign stop in New Hampshire as an official candidate for President, Senator Rick Santorum joined Grover Norquist to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Candidates signing onto the Pledge, written by the Americans for Tax Reform , promise to “oppose and veto any effort to raise taxes.”

Santorum spoke at the event stating that, “Americans deserve a president who believes in them again, and today I am publicly committing to the American taxpayer that I believe that they know how to better spend their hard-earned money than Washington does…I have always admired the great work Grover Norquist and the entire Americans for Tax Reform team have done in keeping public officials accountable to their responsibility of being stewards of the People’s money, and I am anxious for the opportunity to bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington.”

It’s practically a standard stop on the road Republicans take to almost every significant elected office in the country.

Santorum is the third GOP presidential hopeful to sign the Pledge this election cycle, joining former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza Herman Cain and former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.

In 2008 Governor Mitt Romney was the first prominent candidate to sign the pledge, later being joined by all candidates except Senator Fred Thompson and Senator John McCain, who went on to be the Republican Presidential nominee.

However, McCain did sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in 2000. This time around Norquist believes that all the GOP Presidential candidates intend to sign the pledge.

Santorum signed the ATR Pledge as a member of the House of Representatives and later as a Senator. Norquist expressed gratitude that Santorum is reaffirming his commitment, saying, “I am delighted that Senator Santorum is continuing his long-standing commitment to the American taxpayer.  This commitment from candidates for President is more important now than ever, as the Obama Administration has set in motion a dangerous precedent of imposing new taxes on our economy and threatening to allow existing tax rates to expire should they be re-elected.

Former Senator Fred Thompson Announces He Has Lymphoma ...

Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson announced today that he has Lymphoma. This dampens the spirits of those who were hopeful that he would enter the 2008 presidential race. The announcement came this morning during an interview with Fox News reporter Neil Cavuto

Thompson told the reporter that he had non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma , but that he had not been ill and was not experiencing any symptoms. Thompson stated that he was in remission, but that this type of cancer was very treatable should the need arise.

Lymphoma is a cancer that strikes the immune system, affecting more than 70,000 Americans annually. There is no cure for this form of cancer, however, patience can experience extended periods of remission, but often require treatment periodically.

Thompson is well known for his political and acting career, most recently playing the part of a District Attorney in the prime time crime drama, Law and Order. Thompson stressed that he was in remission and plans to continue with his life as normal.

In 2000, Thompson offered his support to families of sick employees of the Oak Ridge Tennessee Nuclear plant. Some of these families suffered from this very same form of cancer. Thompson was appointed to the Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board. Then Senator, Thompson offered his support to the Compensation for Sick Nuclear Workers Bill.

Thompson has not commented either way on the 2008 presidential nomination. Many republicans were pushing for him to join the race. Thompson did however state that this cancer had no effect on his lifespan. Republican’s wanting Thompson to run opposing Hillary Clinton in the 2008 accelerate, may want to acquire another nominee in the event that Thompson declines to enter the rush.

Thompson, 64, has a colorful resume, ranging from attorney to stand-in for Paul Harvey broadcasts. His film credits are seemingly endless. Thompson is currently divorced, but had a two year relationship with Lorrie Morgan from 1994 to 1996. Greatly to his credit, frail Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton was prosecuted when Thompson uncovered his clemency for cash draw. Then practicing law in Nashville he was providing defense for a whistle blower in the case.

Tennessee polls project Thompson to become a presidential frontrunner should he decide to join the bustle. The probability of this happening now solely depends on his health. I’m sure the good senator would appreciate your prayers.

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