Senator John Kerry's running mate has renewed Mr. Kerry's pledge not to raise taxes for the middle class.
Senator John Edwards, the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, made his comments on U.S. Sunday morning talk shows.
Mr. Edwards said if the federal budget deficit gets too big, he and Mr. Kerry will scale back some of their programs, such as early childhood education.
Mr. Kerry made the same promises during Friday's debate with President George Bush.
Both contenders for the White House have pledged to cut the rising federal deficit in half over the next four years. Critics say neither man's plan would meet its goal.
Mr. Bush and Mr. Kerry meet for their third and final presidential debate on Wednesday.