Governor to seek referendums on tax increase

Governor Vilsack is vowing to seek a “People’s Referendum” on future Iowatax increases. Vilsack first proposed the idea this spring, but republican legislatorsrejected it. However, last night, G.O.P. leaders endorsed the concept.Vilsack opposed the constitutional amendments which were narrowly defeatedin yesterday’s election — but today he offered reassurance to amendmentsupporters.Vilsack says he won’t raise income or sales taxes and says he will stickwith the pledge to not spend more than 99 percent of what the state takesin. Vilsack recorded radio ads for the group which opposed yesterday’sconstitutional amendments. Amendment supporters spent about one-point-sevenmillion on radio and t-v ads. Amendment opponents spent about 250-thousanddollars. He says that shows you can run a grassroots campaign in the statewithout spending a lot of money.Vilsack is in New York City and made his comments during a telephoneconference call with Iowa reporters.