Hart holding fundraiser tonight

COEUR d'ALENE - A state legislator from Athol is holding a fundraiser tonight where he will be distributing signed copies of his book and discussing his policies.

The event for Rep. Phil Hart is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Northwest Pony Express at 402 West Canfield No. 1 in Coeur d'Alene.

Hart scheduled the event, said Joe Ellithorpe, owner of Pony Express.

Ellithorpe didn't know why the fundraiser is being held.

"I believe there's another function on Saturday. This was just a follow to that," Ellithorpe said. "This is more of a small group, on an intimate level."

The evening will include light food and drinks and remarks at 6:45, according to an event flyer.

It doesn't specify what the event is raising funds for, though the federal government has filed $300,000 in tax liens against Hart, after he refused to pay income tax for several years.

A district court also recently dismissed Hart's appeal of more than $50,000 the Idaho Tax Commission ordered him to pay in back state income taxes, penalties and interest.

Hart has said much of the dollars the state is asking for are from business expenses he wasn't allowed to deduct during an audit.

"I would assume the most possible," Ellithorpe said of the target amount to be raised.

Everyone who attends the event will receive either an autographed copy of Hart's book, "Constitutional Income: Do You Have Any?" or a beta copy of Hart's same-named DVD.

Ellithorpe said Hart will also be available to answer questions about his positions or his history of battling the income tax.

"I would certainly encourage people who may have questions to come and be able to ask him directly," Ellithorpe said.

Hart, who unsuccessfully sued the federal government over his belief that income tax is unconstitutional, boycotted income tax from the mid '90s to early '00s.

Hart, who owns Alpine Engineering, is still trying to settle his debt. He has said he's paid the IRS $125,000 since 2005.

Hart did not return messages on Friday.

Event tickets are $25.

Ellithorpe believes there are many Hart supporters.

"I think Phil represents some pretty strong conservative views," he said. "Mission drift has been a big problem, even in a state as conservative as Idaho. I'm not saying the man's a perfect guy, just that what he represents are things I could resonate with."