Though Gov. Patrick Morrisey may have had the weight of Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist behind him on his recent visit to Parkersburg, the reality is unchanged: Lawmakers have already put in place a mechanism to reduce what West Virginians pay in income tax, and the state did not meet markers to trigger another cut as recently as August.

Despite that, Morrisey has gone from pitching a 5% to 10% income tax cut to going all-in at 10%.

“West Virginians deserve to keep more of what they earn,” Morrisey said. “We tightened the budget, made tough choices, and put the state on stronger financial footing and will continue to do so. Now we have an opportunity to return money to the people and help with real affordability challenges.”

Again, it is encouraging to know Morrisey understands so many of us are living with “affordability challenges.” And there’s no arguing elected officials should be working to help Mountain State residents keep more of what they’ve earned. But one could argue about that strong financial footing.

“With a significant surplus and new projects on the horizon, now is the time for West Virginia to double down on its historic progress in putting the state on the path to zero income tax,” Norquist said. “The race to zero is heating up across the country.”

West Virginians know it is always dangerous to rely on projections based on promised development on the horizon. How many “home runs” ended up drifting foul just as we were starting to get our hopes up?

Norquist — of 1994 Contract With America fame — may have been talking about a “race to zero” across the country to stir up visions of winning Morrisey’s economic Backyard Brawl. But the governor and lawmakers must not let outside political pressure rush them into making a mistake.

When August rolls around again, the state will have another chance to find out whether its economy is strong enough to have triggered an income tax cut. Truly, Mountain State residents are hoping those numbers are so outstanding that Morrisey has reason to say “I told you so.” Until then Morrisey must be patient and continue not only looking for ways to restrain spending, restructure wasteful agencies and systems, and reduce costs; but for improvements that will help bring large employers to the state who keep their promises.

That kind of defense might just win the championship West Virginia deserves.