Tancredo wants tax debate with Hickenlooper

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tancredo wants to debate Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper over a proposal on the November ballot to increase income taxes by nearly a billion for school funding.

Tancredo said in a statement Monday that he was challenging Hickenlooper to a debate, or serious of debates. The additional tax revenue would be used to fund a new system of financing for public schools.

Tancredo, a former congressman, says he doesn’t believe the additional funds will improve the quality of schools in the state.

Hickenlooper has said he will support the tax increase. Spokesman Eric Brown says the tax initiative is too important to be used “for political theater in the governor’s race.” He says Hickenlooper looks forward to debates when Republicans choose their gubernatorial nominee.