Patrick Downplays Fears Of Post-Election Tax Hike

Gov. Deval Patrick says he has no plans to raise taxes if he wins a second term, even though he supports replacing the flat income tax system in Massachusetts with a progressive one.

Patrick said on WTKK-FM Thursday he believes a graduated tax system would be more fair for state residents, even if it raises taxes for some while lowering them for others.

The tax is currently 5.3 percent.

Republican rival Charles Baker says the comment raises the specter of a tax increase if Patrick is re-elected.

The governor says he was simply responding to a Chamber of Commerce question.

He says if someone asks him about the weather, he can respond but "it doesn't mean I have a plan to change the weather."