2008 Hopefuls

April 30, 2007 (LA Times)

SAN DIEGO — Democrats opened a new divide over taxes Sunday, as former Sen. John Edwards said he would consider an added levy on businesses and individuals reaping the kind of huge financial reward enjoyed by some of the nation’s wealthiest investors.

Speaking as state party activists wound down their three-day convention in San Diego, the North Carolina Democrat told reporters that “paying additional taxes, an excess-profits, excess-income tax” was a notion “worthy of consideration.” He did not offer specifics.

But New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who followed Edwards to the lectern after addressing delegates, swiftly disagreed. “Democrats, whenever we have a solution, we want to tax,” Richardson said. “I’m different. I’m a tax cutter.”

Filed under: Democrats, Edwards, Richardson