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Casey Votes With Dems on Tax Cuts

Casey originally expressed concern over the tax break, but in the end he sided with the President. Photo: AP Photo/Matt Rourke.

Despite some objections, Senator Bob Casey sided with the President Wednesday in a vote to extend the Bush era tax cuts only for families earning up to $250K.

Casey said he wanted the cuts to be good for those earners making up to $1 million. However, Obama said that he would veto any bill or compromise that includes tax cuts for those making more than $250K per year.

Despite its passage in the Senate and continued banter, the cut stands no chance of being passed in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

In the end, however, Casey sided with President Obama, saying it was the right thing to do and that it would “prevent a tax increase of about $2,200 on Pennsylvania working families.”

Casey also said the bill will give some relief to 97 percent of small businesses in a still-struggling economy.

This bill will provide them with a measure of certainty that will help sustain job creation across the Commonwealth,” said Casey in a press release.

“There is much work left to be done this year to protect middle-class families and reduce the deficit. Therefore, it is imperative that Republicans and Democrats work together in the best interests of the people of Pennsylvania and the United States.”

Despite trying to distance himself from the President before the fall election, Casey stuck with Obama this time, which his competitor Tom Smith didn’t take too lightly.

“Today, Bob Casey, Senator Zero, again demonstrated his loyalty to President Obama by casting votes that punish small businesses, families and threaten our country’s economic recovery,” he said.

This line has become a common attacking point for Smith.

“Having voted in favor of higher taxes more than 50 times, Casey’s governing philosophy is crystal clear: grow government, spend more and raise taxes.

Smith promised to reform the tax code and encourage entrepreneurship to spur job creation, while his incumbent opponent favors policies that “cost us jobs.”

While it appears that Casey’s decision has played into Smith’s hands by siding with the President, this vote likely won’t hurt him too much. Casey still holds a commanding lead in the polls, and Democrats are calling the tax cut standoff a winning political issue.

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