George Allen Statement on Disappointing Second Quarter GDP Report

George Allen today released the following statement in response to the economy slowing to 1.5 percent GDP in the second quarter:

“This dismal report is not surprising as I have listened to hard-working Virginia families and small business owners burdened by an over-reaching, over-regulating government. President Obama’s failed economic plans with ‘unabashed’ support from Tim Kaine are not working and not helping Americans find jobs. 

“I started this campaign based on a vision of reinvigorating the entrepreneurial spirit of our country through my Blueprint for America’s Comeback, a pro-jobs growth plan of action for improving our tax, regulatory, energy and education policies. I know from experience that tax relief helps spur investment in job growth.  As Governor, I cut taxes by $600 Million and Virginia added 300,000 net new private sector jobs. As Senator, I supported the 2003 tax relief that helped lead to 4.1 percent GDP growth over the following six quarters and 7.28 million jobs created over the next three and half years.

“Tim Kaine as Governor tried to raise taxes repeatedly by up to $4 billion – even proposing an income tax increase on anyone making over $17,000 – while Virginia lost 100,000 jobs. Tax increases don’t create jobs, and I aim to be the voice of hard-working Virginians who want less government and more freedom for real economic and job growth.”