those who refuse to sign the pledge or backslide are subjected to primary fights against well-funded opponents backed by norquist. &amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;gt; these are people in north carolina who voted for a tax increase when they said they wouldn't, and down here in blue is which ones were defeated in the next election. &amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;gt; is there any set of circumstances in which you would condone a tax increase or release people from the pledge? &amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;gt; the pledge is not to me.