Regardless of Party Affiliation, Victorious General Assembly Candidates Urge Repeal

The Roanoke Times
The New River Current
Wednesday, November 05, 2003

Del. Benny Keister, D-Pulaski County, campaigned saying he would work toward eliminating the estate tax because he believes too may small businesses and farms must liquidate after the owner's death just to pay it. Affordable prescription drug coverage, quality care for seniors and a health care program for children will be among his priorities, he said.

Daily Press
By Fred Carroll
Published November 5, 2003

State Del. Melanie Rapp won re-election Tuesday, defeating well-financed Democratic challenger Philip Forgit in the Republican-leaning 96th House District...She also promised to oppose any tax reform proposals that raised taxes or failed to eliminate the car tax, reduce a tax on groceries and end the estate tax on properties worth $1 million or more.