Opportunity

U.S. Senator John Cornyn’s eighth television ad of the 2008 election cycle focuses on the best policies to promote economic growth and job opportunity. “Opportunity” underscores the importance of keeping taxes low and reducing government expansion, so that Texas families can decide for themselves how best to spend their income. This is the best way to get our economy growing again.

Senator Cornyn believes that low taxes, minimal regulation and less spending are the keys to a vibrant, robust economy. He has consistently supported tax relief that promotes entrepreneurship and creates job opportunities. Senator Cornyn has repeatedly voted to make the 2001 and 2003 tax breaks permanent, and introduced legislation to require a supermajority before taxes could be raised.

Senator Cornyn has been a strong, consistent voice for fiscal responsibility. He has been recognized by numerous organizations for his efforts on behalf of taxpayers, including the Guardian of Small Business Award—National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB); Hero of the Taxpayer Award—Americans for Tax Reform; and Taxpayer’s Friend—National Taxpayers Union.

“Opportunity” was filmed on a ranch in Parker County, near Fort Worth.

“Opportunity” TV Ad Script:

Voice over: I’m John Cornyn and I approved this message.
Senator Cornyn: The choice for the Senate is pretty clear this year. Too many politicians are pushing for higher taxes and more government spending. I think we’re spending too much already. Higher taxes hurt the economy and Texas families. Help me bring a little bit more of that Texas common sense to Washington.
Voice over: John Cornyn for Texas

Senator Cornyn’s Strong Record on Promoting Job Opportunity, Prosperity

  • Senator Cornyn has consistently supported tax relief, voting for a major tax break package in 2003. He has supported efforts to make the tax relief of 2001 and 2001 permanent.
  • Senator Cornyn worked with Senator Hutchison to extend the sales tax deduction so Texans can deduct state sales taxes on federal income tax returns. This deduction saves Texans nearly $1 billion a year, equaling $310 per year for the average family of four. Senator Cornyn continues working to make this deduction permanent.
  • Senator Cornyn led an effort seeking to slow future tax hikes by implementing a 60-vote threshold for any income tax increases.
  • Senator Cornyn has worked to extend the child tax credit, and eliminate the marriage tax penalty and the death tax.
  • Senator Cornyn has fought to eliminate wasteful earmarks and frivolous spending that increases the deficit and hinders growth.
  • Senator Cornyn helped break an impasse and facilitate repeal of the Wright Amendment, allowing more competition and lower fares for Texas airline travelers.
  • Senator Cornyn helped lead litigation reform to curb frivolous lawsuits that encumber small business owners and prevent economic expansion.
  • Senator Cornyn has supported several free trade agreements—to ensure fairness for Texas agriculture and other exporters.

What they’re saying about Senator Cornyn’s work on job opportunity and economic growth:

“[Sen. Cornyn’s] re-election is not only critical to the small-business owners in [Texas], but also to protecting free enterprise across America.”
(National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Save America’s Free Enterprise PAC, Executive Vice President Dan Danner, Endorsement Letter, 3/1/08)

“John Cornyn is dedicated to those values which unite all Texans: low taxes, strong national defense, less government and fiscal discipline.”
(South Padre Island Mayor Robert Pinkerton, Press Release, 5/17/08)

“The Republican incumbent believes in a strong national defense, the public’s right to know what their elected officials are doing via strong freedom of information laws, limited government, low taxes, the importance of families, and opportunity for all.”
(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, “Re-elect Republican Sen. John Cornyn,” 10/17/08)

“John Cornyn is a leader who time and again has supported legislation to create jobs, increase productivity, and strengthen our nation’s recovering economy.”
(Thomas Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Honoring Sen. Cornyn with “Spirit of Enterprise” award, Press Release, February, 2/25/04)

“By consistently voting to reduce federal spending, taxes, and debt, Sen. Cornyn has truly earned the title, ‘Taxpayers’ Friend.’... Overburdened taxpayers in Texas and across the nation owe Sen. Cornyn a debt of gratitude for his hard work on their behalf…While many Members of Congress talk about reducing the size of government, Sen. Cornyn backed up those words with votes.”
(John Berthoud, National Taxpayers Union President, Honoring Sen. Cornyn with “Taxpayers’ Friend” award, Press Release, 3/17/05)

“Sen. Cornyn puts the interests of taxpayers ahead of politics by recognizing the long-term consequences of excessive spending and working to reduce the enormous debt being left to future generations… Sen. Cornyn gives taxpayers hope for the future.”
(Tom Schatz, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste President, Honoring Sen. Cornyn with “Taxpayer Hero” award, Press Release, 7/13/07)

Sen. Cornyn “has a conservative record and consistently bucks the party’s appropriators and big spenders.”
(“Lott Resignation Kicks Off Republican Leadership Shuffle,” Timothy P. Carney, Evans and Novak, 11/28/07)

Learn More About Senator Cornyn’s Economic Record (PDF) »