By C. Eugene Emery Jr.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Did U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who characterizes himself as a champion of the middle class, vote for a $525-billion tax increase on the middle class?
That's one assertion in a television ad by Republican challenger Barry Hinckley.
After raising an allegation about insider trading, which Whitehouse has strongly denied, the commercial says "Whitehouse voted to raise taxes on middle-class families." The phrase "$525 billion tax increase on the middle class" flashes on the screen.
PolitiFact Rhode Island examined the tax increase claim and ruled it Pants on Fire. Read the complete analysis here.