Rep. Darrell Issa pressured by both sides on tax bill

Nov. 15--Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, is getting pressure from conservative and liberal groups alike over his stance on the GOP's tax overhaul bill.

On the right is 45Committee, an organization that supports President Donald Trump's policies. It's planning to spend $2 million on broadcast and digital advertisements in 30 congressional districts, including Issa's, to encourage them to support the GOP's tax bill.

"We elected Darrell Issa to cut taxes, so we're counting on him to vote yes on tax reform, which could mean nearly $3,000 for California families," a YouTube version of the commercial says.

On the left is a liberal group, Not One Penny, with its own advertisement and message, that's reportedly airing in five districts represented by California Republicans.

"The Republican tax plan will raise taxes on California families by eliminating middle class tax deductions to pay for a tax break for the super wealthy and big corporations," it says.

Issa, one of a small group of House Republicans who said they will not vote for their party's tax bill, isn't phased by the back-and-forth.

"I couldn't care less what the special interests have to say," Issa said in a statement. "My job is to fight for what's best for my constituents and what's best for California. That's what I'm here to do."

He said that Gov. Jerry Brown and the state legislature have implemented misguided policies that have consistently raised taxes, and he wants to make sure that federal tax policies help out over-taxed Californians.

"My constituents need a lifeline from Sacramento's tax increases, so I'm going to keep fighting to make sure this bill is something that benefits Californians too," Issa said.

The GOP's tax bill consolidates the current seven income tax brackets into four, almost doubles the standard deduction for both single and joint filers and increases the child tax credit to $1,600 from $1,000.

And, particularly relevant to Issa's constituents, the bill also eliminates the state and local tax deduction and caps mortgage-related deductions -- two popular policies that provide the most tax relief to people who live in high-tax states and cities or who own expensive properties.

In addition to the television commercials, protesters met outside of Issa's district office in Vista on Tuesday to pressure the congressman to stand against the tax bill. The protests occur weekly but do not always focus on tax policy.

Twitter: @jptstewart

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