Bush tries to shift campaign focus to taxes

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

WASHINGTON, Oct 29 (Reuters) President George W Bush, struggling to boost Republicans at risk of losing control of the US Congress, has said his tax cuts were spurring vibrant economic growth and accused Democrats of wanting to raise taxes.

''Cutting your taxes worked,'' Bush said in his weekly radio address. ''Unfortunately, the Democrats are still determined to raise your taxes, and if they gain control of the Congress, they can do so without lifting a finger.'' In a campaign dominated by growing concerns about the unrelenting bloodshed in Iraq, Bush has had trouble gaining traction for his economic message.

Polls show Democrats have a good chance of seizing control of the House of Representatives and possibly also the Senate in the November 7 election.

Democrats contend Bush's cuts in tax rates on income and investments have overwhelmingly favored the wealthy.

They say Bush's economic policies have racked up huge deficits, while failing to help middle-class Americans struggling with lackluster wage gains and rising costs for health care and college tuition.

Bush said the tax reductions were helping families achieve ''the American dream.'' Many of Bush's tax cuts are schedule to expire in 2010.

Democrats say they favor tax relief for the middle class.

While the US economy grew briskly in the first half of this year, fresh data from the Commerce Department showed it slowing down amid a cooling off in the once-sizzling housing market.

Gross domestic product grew at sluggish 1.6 per cent in the three months ended in September, the government said.

Bush said the slower pace of growth had been expected but added, ''The evidence still points to a vibrant economy.'' In the final 10 days before Election Day, Bush plans a blitz of campaign appearances. He was headed on Saturday to Indiana for a campaign rally and to South Carolina for a fund-raiser and a speech to troops at Charleston Air Force Base.

Reuters DKS VP0435

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