Income Tax Quashed, Ballmer To Cash In Billions

Washington's proposed state income tax not only prompted Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to spend $425,000 of his own money to help crush the measure at the polls, it also inspired Microsoft to launch a FUD campaign aimed at torpedoing the initiative. 'As an employer, we're concerned that I-1098 will make it harder to attract talent and create additional jobs in Washington state,' explained Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith.

All of which might make a cynic question what was really important to Microsoft - public education, or a $2B state income tax-free payday for its CEO?