Democrat Jim Matheson came out swinging against his Republican opponent Mia Love today claiming she has an appetite for raising taxes that Utahns won’t stand for.

In a press conference at his campaign headquarters, Matheson hammered Love for raising taxes as a member of the Saratoga Springs Council by 116% in 2008, 21% in 2009 and 13% in 2010. He also unveiled a video of Love at the Hinckley institute of politics explaining why she voted in favor of the tax hikes.



In the video Love says "Last year we did, well two years ago we did raise taxes and it was probably the most difficult thing to do. However, the reason why we did it was our taxes were so low to begin with and I found that sometimes raising it a little bit year by year is better than that big jump."

“Utah families will feel her tax hike philosophy,” said Matheson. “Talk is cheap. Saratoga Springs has a higher tax rate than surrounding communities - that’s a fact.”

Throughout the conference Matheson refused to mention Love by name, always referring to her as “my opponent.”

He also took aim at Love’s high national profile following her primetime speaking slot at the Republican National Convention.

“Running for Congress is not about platitudes or celebrity appearances. There are so many important issues that affect Utahns.”