Governor Dannel Malloy and Republican challenger Tom Foley have repeatedly said they will not raise taxes. After dropping out of the race as a petitioning candidate, Joe Visconti said it just can't happen.
"I don't know how we can cut enough, even if the legislature agreed with it, and mothball enough programs for us not to have some form of a tax increase unless we grow completely out of it in a miracle situation," Visconti told WNPR.
Listen below to Visconti's comments Monday:
On Monday, Malloy and Foley debated on WPLR radio.
Radio host and debate moderator Chaz asked for a yes-or-no answer. "Will you raise taxes, sign legislation that raises taxes, or restructure taxes so that they're higher?" he asked. "And this includes raising fines or fees."
"No," said Malloy immediately.
"Absolutely not," said Foley when he was asked the same question.
Listen below to their remarks on WPLR:
Visconti announced on Sunday that he was endorsing Tom Foley. He met with Foley the night before, but said he did not discuss the tax issue with him. Despite endorsing Foley, Visconti said both candidates have buried the issue to voters.
"If it's Tom Foley or if it's Governor Malloy, there's going to be hell to be paid when the people wake up and realize next spring that there are tax increases coming and neither candidate talked about it," said Visconti.
The latest Quinnipiac University Poll released Monday showed Malloy leading Foley by three points. Seven percent remain undecided.