career politician

Gary McDowell has finally hit the airwaves without the help of his Washington allies. In his latest TV ad, McDowell is trying to sell Northern Michigan families on the idea that he is a hay farmer and not a career politician. Unfortunately for McDowell, Northern Michigan families know he is a career politician with a long record of voting against Michigan families.

McDowell’s Real Life as a Career Politician:

As a State Representative, Gary McDowell voted for a $1.35 billion tax hike package, among one of the largest in the history of Michigan, which raised the state income tax 11.5 percent and expanded the 6 percent sales tax to 23 new services.

• On Sept. 30, 2007, State Rep. Gary McDowell (D-Mich.) voted for H.B. 5194, to increase the state income tax from 3.9 percent to 4.35 percent. (Passed 57-52)
• On Sept. 30, 2007, McDowell voted for H.B. 5198, to impose a 6 percent tax on a wide variety of services, including various personal services and a number of services used primarily by businesses. (Passed 56-53)
• In an Oct. 2, 2007, article, The Detroit News reported, “Michiganians went to bed Sunday night with the state nearing its first government shutdown and awoke to a $1.35 billion tax hike, among the largest in state history.”

What was career politician Gary McDowell’s reason for raising taxes on Michigan families when they could least afford it?

‘I’m ready to do whatever’s necessary to keep the state moving forward,’ said Rep. Gary McDowell, a Democrat who represents a Republican-leaning district in the Upper Peninsula. He said he is prepared to vote for increasing the income tax and expanding the sales tax. (Detroit News, 9/30/2007)

NRCC Statement: “Gary McDowell has a proven track record of voting against Michigan families. Now, McDowell wants to be sent to Washington so he can continue his record of taxing Michigan’s future down the drain.” – NRCC Spokeswoman Katie Prill