Corbett Stands By Norquist's Anti-Tax Pledge

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Governor Corbett says he plans on sticking to his pledge not to raise taxes.

Some other Republicans who signed the pledge of anti-tax crusader Grover Norquist have indicated in the weeks since the election that they are re-thinking that commitment. But in an interview with capitol reporters Thursday, Governor Corbett says he's holding firm.

"I'm not going to increase taxes right now."

The governor says two looming issues alone, whether Pennsylvania will expand Medicaid as part of federal health care reform, and the need to meet the state's mushrooming pension obligations, could cost the state billions.

But, he says, when it comes to paying for that, "We couldn't raise enough taxes. I say that in a general statement. If we did, we would chase every business out of Pennsylvania."

The governor, however, declined to comment on whether there might be other scenarios that could cause him to disavow his no tax hike pledge.