The issue in Congress over how to balance the budget – higher taxes, cuts in spending – needs advocates from both sides to find some answer in the middle. Either option alone won’t work.

That’s why is it irresponsible and insulting for conservative D.C. lobbyist Grover Norquist to insist that Republicans who signed a “pledge” – that dates to 1986 – to oppose all tax increases and hold to that position.

It’s not up to an unelected lobbyist to say what’s best for the country. The job is up to those we elect to Congress – and only those.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter