Mayor, poised to enter GOP race for Arizona gov, launches push against proposed tax increase

Mayor launching push against Ariz. tax increase

PHOENIX — A prospective primary election opponent to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is launching a new effort to oppose a possible tax increase to help balance the state budget.

Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker on Wednesday filed papers for an independent expenditure committee to oppose Brewer’s proposal for a temporary sales tax increase.

Parker is exploring a possible candidacy for the 2010 Republican gubernatorial nomination. Brewer has already announced her candidacy.

Executive Director Todd Lang of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission says public campaign financing for Parker wouldn’t be jeopardized if the committee sticks to issue advocacy.

Parker says a tax increase would devastate the economy. Brewer says the state cannot balance the budget by spending cuts alone.