Norquist headlines Minn. anti-tax rally

Anti-tax activist Grover Norquist was the headline speaker Saturday at the annual Taxpayers Rally at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, told a crowd of hundreds of people that when politicians vow to increase taxes only on the rich, it's really the beginning of tax increases for all. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed higher taxes on the top earners in the state.

Norquist said Minnesota should not go down that path.

"No state is a complete waste. Some of them serve as bad examples," said Norquist. "Let us work here to make sure that that's California and Illinois and not Minnesota."

Speakers at the event also included Republican U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota's 6th District, and Dan McGrath, executive director of Minnesota Majority.

In response to Norquist's appearance, state DFL Party Chair Ken Martin released a statement saying most Minnesotans understand that taxpayers in the highest bracket aren't paying their fair share.