Libertarian candidate, Carla Howell, is running for governor in Massachusetts. According to the Boston Globe, On Nov. 5, a $9 billion question, Ms. Howell was successul in adding a referendum to the November ballot asking if citizens of Massachusetts want to ELIMINATE state income taxes.

In such a left leaning state, I find this incredible.

I will be looking forward to the outcome of this vote. It will speak volumes about the people of Massachusetts.

Are they are confident enough to handle their own money and throw away the crutches of government? Or it will reveal that they are too weak and incompetent to make decisions about their own earnings?

As a citizen of MA, I can dispel all rumors on this: Carla won't win, the Dems won't win. It's gonna be Mitt Romney.

I doubt very much an independent will win either.

It's the referendum that I'm interested in. JP- as a citizen of MA, what do you think of its chances?

Believe it or not, it won't happen. Even if it's voted on and it wins, the legislature will find a way to kill it. Not a snowballs chance in Hell, if you ask me.

I know Mit Romney fairly well from when he was Olympic organizer in Salt Lake City (and he did an outstanding job), and if he wins it will be great for your state. He is a great guy, and one of the few Mormon politicians. I’m exited for Mass, maybe I could go to Medical School in Boston after all. (that is where my wife wants to move).

Funny story about Mass though, when I was in 3rd or 4th grade and learning the states and capitols I was so use to my father calling Massachusetts Taxachusetts (due to the high taxes especially under Dukakas) that I put Taxachusetts on my test and got it wrong. But heck 49 our of 50 wasn’t bad, and it gave my dad a laugh.

Don't move to Boston now. Bad timing, with the Big Dig, tax hikes (uggh), out of control schooling costs, and the worst rated drivers in the known universe.

I'll make sure i tell my wife. Just get the campaigning out for Mit.

Great for Mit...can we now get back to the topic?

What are the chances this referendum will pass?

And, following up to JP's comment, let's pretend it does pass, what do you think the legislature will do to stop it?

I wouldn’t see why not, most people when they see on the ballot, “Eliminate Income Tax” most everyone would say yes…but who knows its Massachusetts.

If it does pass the legislation will find other ways, like in Florida there is no income tax, but there is high sales tax, tax on services, labor, and property. They are greedy politicians they will get their money one way or another.

The Legislature has to have their own vote on the issue. They are bound by law to follow the voter's will, but the courts are in the pockets of influential people. Bottom line? If you have some money and friends in high places, MA is great. If not, run like hell!!!

on a similar note, as a Boston are college student, i want to ask all you massachusetts folks out there what you think of the big dig.
I went on the tour of what they have so far and its pretty impressive.

God, I hate the Big Dig. That's what you'll get from Bostonians.