Libertarian Republican interviewed Governor candidate Warren Redlich last night about his plans to launch a statewide "Soda Party" around Tax Day to protest Gov. Paterson, and NYC Mayor Bloomberg's proposed Sugary Sodat Tax. The duo is pushing the tax to "help save education and health services" from budget cuts.

From Politics Daily, March 8:

"An extra 12 cents on a can of soda would raise nearly $1 billion, allowing us to keep community health services open and teachers in the classroom," Bloomberg said in Sunday's speech. "And, at the same time, it would help us fight a major problem plaguing our children: obesity."

Redlich sharply disagrees with the Paterson-Bloomberg soda tax, pointing out that store-brand colas cost about 88 cents for a 2 liter bottle: "Paterson and Bloomberg want to slap a 68-cent tax on them. Do you know who buys store-brand sodas? People who can't afford Coke!"

The broad spread of the tax is also bothersome. "It's on 'sugared drinks.' That includes Gatorade, which is not only healthier than sodas, but also has fewer calories than fruit juice," Redlich noted.

Seeking support from the various Tea Party groups in New York, Redlich believes the soda tax is an issue that can bring them all together. "That's not how you operate when you have budget problems. You don't stick it to the regular people who are trying to get by," said Redlich.

If the soda tax makes it into the state budget, Redlich says there will be a Soda Party: "The original patriots dumped tea in the harbor. Pouring soda on the Capitol will be a wake-up call to Paterson, Silver and everyone else inside that bubble."

"NYS and NYC needs to look into cutting spending before thinking about driving more hard working taxpayers out of New York with more nanny taxes, which will reduce tax revenue, not increase them. Warren has the right idea with a Soda Protest Party," said Steven Vasquez, a NY State Tea Party organizer and NY State Coordinator for Campaign for Liberty.

Redlich told LR that other groups are already signing up like 9/12, 1776, and the Campaign for Liberty. It looks like the rally will be scheduled for Saturday, April 17 (right after Tax Day), at the Capitol in Albany. They are considering the use of a replica of the State Capitol to dump the soda on, right on the steps of the real Capitol. Obviously, environmental restrictions and good manners keep them from dumping the soda on the premises itself.

And what brand of soda will be used? Redlich says:

"Sam's Choice or some other price chopper brand, cause budget-minded New Yorkers will be hurt the most."

Warren Redlich is an attorney and local town councilman. He is a candidate for Governor seeking the nominations of both the Libertarian Party and Republican Party (against the favored Rick Lazio).

wredlich.com/ny