GOP Senator Latest to Push Back Against Anti-Tax Lobbyist

Georgia's Saxby Chambliss says no to the "no new taxes" pledge

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, a Georgia Republican, has added his voice to a growing number of GOP lawmakers pushing back against Grover Norquist's famous pledge to never raise taxes under any circumstances, ever, no matter what. Norquist is an icon in Washington, known for his anti-tax lobbying and getting elected officials to sign "taxpayer protection pledges."

Chambliss's defection comes as Republicans prepare this week to negotiate with Democrats and President Barack Obama on a deal to avert the so-called fiscal cliff.

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"I care more about this country than I do about a 20-year-old pledge," Chambliss told Georgia television station WMAZ. "If we do it his way, then we'll continue in debt, and I just have a disagreement with him about that."

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The move is notable because it could well be the beginning of a complete overhaul of Republican party politics, in response to the party's defeat in the 2012 presidential election. Big name GOP Senate leaders like Bob Corker, John McCain and Tom Coburn, have become more vocal in their opposition to Norquist and his tactics as has leading conservative voice, Bill Kristol.

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