Hoffman pledges not to support tax hikes

Douglas L. Hoffman, the Conservative candidate for the 23rd Congressional District seat, has pledged not to raise income taxes if he's elected. He's challenged his two opponents to make the same vow.

Mr. Hoffman signed the Americans for Tax Reform's Tax Protection Pledge last Tuesday. The candidate said he would oppose "any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses." The pledge also requires him to "oppose any net reduction or elimination of deduction and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates."

There are 172 House members who signed the pledge during the last session, although Rep. John M. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, was not among them. The pledge also is unsigned by U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand, both D-N.Y.

Matthew A. Burns, campaign spokesman for Republican candidate Dierdre K. Scozzafava, said Mr. Hoffman's pledge was a "stunt," and did not indicate if his candidate would sign. William L. Owens, the Democratic nominee, did not respond to a question asking if he would sign the pledge.