A challenger for Oklahoma’s first congressional district seat has signed a pledge not to raise taxes that’s popular among Republicans.
Oilman Tom Atkinson said he will oppose income tax increases for individuals and businesses. Atkinson said he sees a link between overleveraged energy companies struggling with low oil prices and the United States’ high corporate income tax rate.
"These companies that are paying taxes are not served by their government that should invest in corporate America and the vitality of corporate America by keeping a lower tax rate," Atkinson said.
Atkinson joined the state’s two senators and four of five representatives in signing the nearly 30-year-old taxpayer protection pledge. Atkinson said he’ll follow the leads of Sen. James Lankford and Rep. Steve Russell.
"I would concentrate on waste. As a businessman, I have an eagle eye for picking out waste in a budget, and I will seek to take our government to task first and foremost," Atkinson said.
Incumbent Jim Bridenstine, whom Atkinson is challenging, is the only Oklahoma delegation member not to sign the pledge. In all, 48 U.S. senators and 218 congressman have signed it. The vast majority are Republicans.
Bridenstine’s office did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
