Lawmakers wary of Patrick's tax reform plan

BOSTON (AP) - Many state lawmakers are cautious of the governor's new tax reform plan. 

State lawmakers are concerned about their re-election prospects should they back Governor Deval Patrick's state income tax hike proposal.
 
Governor Patrick, who is not seeking a third term in 2014, understands the risk.  Many lawmakers agree with House Speaker Robert DeLeo's position to support a smaller version of the governor's goals.  But the governor says he'll use his campaign resources to help lawmakers who lend him their full support.

“I'm willing to do almost anything they ask, I think it's also important to remember you know people in elective office almost always underestimate the electorate,” Governor Patrick said.
 
Governor Patrick went onto say that lawmakers should speak to voters like grownups; in 2009, he was advised not to sign a sales tax increase if he was concerned about being re-elected governor.

Patrick says he explained to voters why the tax increase was necessary and eventually won his second term in office.