Murphy To Politico: I Will Work With Republicans (And Raise Taxes On Rich)

Connecticut’s new senator-elect tells Politico that he plans to walk that very difficult path: working with Republicans while sticking to core Democratic principals. That means raising taxes on the wealthy.

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“I’ve never been shy in talking about my belief in universal health care or fair Tax Code,” Murphy said in an interview. “The people of Connecticut might have disagreed with Joe Lieberman on specific issues, but they liked the fact — and they still like the fact — that he reaches out across the aisle to get stuff done. … Connecticut voters know exactly what side of the negotiating table I’m going to be on, but they want me to be at the negotiating table.”

Murphy said the reelection of President Barack Obama and the Senate wins across the country was an indication the voters “clearly want the wealthiest among us to contribute to the future fiscal health of this nation.”

“I don’t think there’s any reason why Democrats should back down from our belief that the Bush tax cuts should expire for the wealthiest Americans,” he said.

More on the new “proudly liberal” senators here.