California Assemblyman Chuck DeVore Resigns Leadership Post Due to $14 Billion Tax Increase Deal

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
California State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore resigned today as Chief Republican
Whip due to his opposition to a massive tax increase deal brokered by Republican
legislative leaders. DeVore said, "The St. Valentine`s Day deal to raise taxes
on hardworking Californians will neither close the budget deficit nor control
spending. I believe leadership thinks they are doing the right thing - but I
cannot be a party to this agreement as I believe it will harm California."

Excerpts of DeVore`s letter to Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines follow:

"…the recent agreement you negotiated to increase taxes in exchange for a
spending limit will not likely accomplish the twin aims of deficit reduction and
budget control that you seek.

"This proposed agreement also strikes at the heart of our longtime opposition to
tax increases. Excessive taxation both harms the economy and robs hardworking
Californians of a portion of their liberty. Placing our Caucus squarely in line
with tax increases also demoralizes our supporters - people who were counting on
us to hold the line.

"For these reasons, I believe it is appropriate for me to resign as Chief
Republican Whip, effective immediately. I can no longer participate as a leader
on a team that is preparing to make a fundamental mistake of colossal
proportions. For the sake of California I hope I am wrong - however, I fear I am
right and that this tax increase and budget deal will result in more harm to the
Golden State than good."

DeVore`s website is: www.ChuckDeVore.com.

for Chuck DeVore
Justin Hart, 703-402-0157
justinhart@mac.com

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