You have probably heard that a new Quinnipiac poll in PA says "by a 55 - 35 percent margin, voters support raising the state sales tax if it means reducing local property taxes."

WELL, the poll didn't ask some key questions:

A. Would you be more or less likely to vote to re-elect your legislator if he or she voted to raise the sales tax?

(This is why a sales tax hike didn't pass -- the reps with real races this fall aren't suicidal. Their opponents' mailings this fall wouldn't have mentioned the sales tax hike's connection to cutting property taxes. And it was extremely unlikely the Senate was going to go along if the House *did* pass a sales tax hike, leaving House members hang out to dry without even getting what they wanted policy-wise.)

B. Would you support raising the state income tax, if it meant lowering property taxes?

(It could be argued that would be more fair than raising the sales tax. And here's an idea -- why not list a Property Tax Cut Fund line on people's pay stubs for the additional income tax, so it's clear where the money is going?) (Yeah, I know, an income tax increase might not play well in Philly since the big deal there seems to be the city wage tax rather than property taxes.)

C. Would you support taxing groceries and clothing and business services, if it meant lowering property taxes?

(That's the far-right "Commonwealth Caucus" plan that gets so much favorable press but can't get more than 74 votes in the 203-member House. Again, the reps with real races this fall aren't suicidal.)