FreedomWorks

DENVER. At multiple events today and in tonight's debate, former U.S. House Majority Leader and FreedomWorks Co-Chairman Dick Armey made the case that Referendum C is a tax increase and should be defeated by Colorado citizens on Nov. 1.

Last Thursday, Governor Bill Owens challenged Armey to a debate, and on Friday Armey accepted, resulting in tonight's debate over the benefits of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and Referendum C. Armey made a number of powerful arguments, calling the Taxpayer Bill of Rights “the first best example of spending restraint.” He urged Colorado voters to “defend good policy” and reject the Ref C tax increase, arguing that “any time the government has more of my money, it is a tax increase.” A veteran of 18 years in Congress, Armey told Gov. Owens that “once you let the government learn a bad habit they'll repeat the bad habit,” and that Ref C's five year tax and spending increase is really a permanent increase and a higher new spending baseline for Colorado.

The thirty minute debate will broadcast on Denver KBDI PBS Channel 12 Wednesday, June 29th at 9 PM Mountain and again on Friday, July 1st at 9:30 PM. The debate was moderated by respected Denver Post political journalist Fred Brown.

Armey also taped an appearance on Independent Thinking today, a current events show hosted by Jon Caldara, president of the Independence Institute. That program will air on Friday, July 1st at 8:30 PM Mountain and is another must-watch appearance.

Earlier in the day, FreedomWorks’ Co-Chairman Dick Armey joined Colorado state and local legislative leaders, a coalition of allied groups including CUT, Independence Institute, and Club for Growth, and dozens of grassroots activists at a press conference at the State Capitol. The press conference was lead by former Colorado State Senate President John Andrews and was covered by at least nine reporters and two local television stations.

The State Capitol press event followed a private strategy luncheon with “Vote No on Ref C” legislative leaders. Armey's day also included an editorial board visit.

Dick Armey commented: “Colorado FreedomWorks will continue to work hard to educate Colorado voters about the unnecessary Referendum C tax increase. If Ref C passes, Colorado families will pay an estimated $3.5 billion more in higher taxes-- the largest state tax increase in Colorado history.”