In a second major policy reversal in less than a day, Governor Spitzer is backing down from a plan to require Amazon.com and other online retailers to charge state and local sales taxes on all purchases from New York.In other words, we'll sneak this through another time.
Yesterday, just hours after The New York Sun reported on the new revenue collection scheme, the Spitzer administration announced that it was burying it for the time being — at least until after the Christmas shopping season. The move saved New York City shoppers from having to pay an additional 8.375% on many Amazon.com goods.
"Governor Spitzer believes that now is not the right time to be increasing sales taxes on New Yorkers," Mr. Spitzer's budget director, Paul Francis, said in a statement. "He has directed the Department of Tax and Finance to pull back its interpretation that would require some Internet retailers that do not collect sales tax to do so."
His job approval is now at 33%.
Via Instapundit.
Meanwhile, state Republicans aren't yet ready to bury the hatchet.
Ever.
Spitzer's plan was a cause celebre for state Republicans in last week's elections, helping them in winning several important local contests.Adam Brodsky says he's doomed by his contempt.
Republicans - who have developed a visceral hatred of the governor in the wake of the Dirty Tricks Scandal - made it clear yesterday that they're not ready to bury the hatchet.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (R-Rensselaer) and Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R-Schenectady) launched new attacks on what they said was Spitzer's plan to grant early parole to hundreds of convicted killers, including cop killers, now in state prisons.
The Republicans have drawn blood and - as next year's presidential and legislative races approach - they want to make sure the wound never heals.
Previous Spitzer silliness here.
UPDATE: Allahpundit has more on this political genius.
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