Let me know if this sounds familiar: Dalton McGuinty says he will not raise taxes.
Sounds very much like the 2003 election, doesn't it? In fact, it's what McGuinty is now saying, in the run-up to this October's election.
As you'll remember, McGuinty made the original no-tax-increase promise shortly before being elected Premier and bringing in, in his first budget, a huge tax increase in the form of a health premium.
This time he really means it, though. Reporters even checked behind his back for crossed fingers.
The difference between 2003 and now is that McGuinty is in charge. He knows there's no surprise deficit, as there was when he took over for Ernie Eves in 2003.
Progressive Conservative leader John Tory has said he'll get rid of the health premium over the course of four years if he's elected. It's a smart promise politically but will likely be difficult to implement since it will cost the Province $2.6 billion. That's a big chunk of money to lose.