Values Govern Voters' Tax Views; Many are Hazy on Specifics of
Revenue Proposals  Published: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 11:53
p.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 11:53 p.m.
WINTER HAVEN | In an election where taxes and their affects on
the deficit and the economy are hot topics, many Polk County
voters know little about the federal tax code, tax reform
proposals from the presidential candidates or even what
percentage of their income they paid in federal income tax last
year.  Most Polk voters interviewed for this story made broad,
ideological arguments that often reflected their political
party's stance on taxes, but few could pick out specific "tax
loopholes" or deductions they would like to see eliminated.  But
that's not abnormal, according to professionals who study public
opinion and taxes. Most other Americans also are short on
specifics and tend to lump all taxes.  "I just know that I
normally claim zero (dependents) because, obviously, it's just
me," said Vanessa Thomas, 21, an undecide