Whether they filed their returns two months ago or the taste of the envelope glue is still fresh on their tongues, the last thing most people want to do on April 15 is talk about taxes. But Missouri U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof stopped by Cape Girardeau on Thursday to do just that.

While postal workers sorted last-minute tax returns in the building just a few yards behind him, Hulshof spoke in support of President Bush's tax record to a gathering of about 30 people outside the U.S. Post Office Distribution Center.

"I would like to take this time to thank you all for your contributions to the federal government," Hulshof opened. He then said the presidential election just 200 days away is going to be a choice of power in the people's pocketbooks or power in the halls of Congress.

"John Kerry's rhetoric doesn't match his record," Hulshof said. "Kerry has supported higher taxes 350 times."

Hulshof pointed out that the people's income tax bill was lower this year than last year because of Bush's tax cuts. He also warned that Kerry intends to roll back those cuts.

This rally was part of a statewide effort put forth by the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign.

trehagen@semissourian.com

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