The organization best known for its no-new-taxes pledge, Americans for Tax Reform, has just labelled openness to tax increases in North Carolina as an “absurdity” and “job-killing.” Chris Buki of ATR specifically targeted gubernatorial candidate Walter Dalton (D) and referenced North Carolina’s high unemployment rate, which is 9.4 percent, above the national average, and rising in a majority of counties.

Apparently Walter Dalton doesn’t think that’s enough, and wants to add the threat of higher state taxes to the mix…

That’s no way to attract businesses and the much-needed jobs they create to the Tar Heel State. Dalton’s approach is even more misguided in light of the fact that North Carolina’s neighbors in the region are moving in the opposite direction, making their states more economically competitive, both regionally and globally, by reducing tax rates and eliminating unnecessary and onerous regulations.