Frank Wolf rips Grover Norquist for ‘paralyzing’ Congress

By SEUNG MIN KIM
Politico.com
Updated: 10/4/11 8:17 PM EDT

A top House Republican on Tuesday attacked conservative tax activist Grover Norquist in a blistering floor speech, saying his no-taxes pledge has “paralyzed” Congress from tackling the deficit.

In a short but powerful speech, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.), laid out a remarkable indictment against one of the most powerful figures in conservative politics. He cited Norquist’s ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, as well as charges that Norquist was associated with two terrorist financiers. Wolf also raised Norquist’s lobbying for Fannie Mae and the Internet gambling sector, and his reported support of moving Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States.

“Simply put, I believe Mr. Norquist is connected with, or has profited from, a number of unsavory people and groups out of the mainstream,” Wolf said.

In an interview, Norquist dismissed Wolf’s remarks as a “hissy fit.”

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