The attention starved Sacramento atheist who attracted nationwide attention for challenging the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance is back at it. This time he is suing the IRS.

Michael Newdow says he is representing 21 Northern California members of Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) in a federal lawsuit. They are suing the Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the commissioner of the IRS and the head of California’s Franchise Tax Board.

Newdow makes the claim that tax breaks given to “ministers of the gospel” offer preferential treatment to religious organizations. His claim is that this violates the Constitution’s clause separating church and state.

Newdow first gained attention back in 2000 when he complained the Elk Grove Unified School District was imposing religion on his daughter by leading students in the Pledge of Allegiance. His case went to the The U.S. Supreme Court and it was dismissed.

Losing court cases is not a new thing for Newdow. He also sued over the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. coins and currency. He lost. Newdow and others filed suit back in December to block U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts from using the words “so help me God” in administering the oath of office to President-elect Barack Obama. He lost again.

Newdow is good at losing court cases and getting his name in the news.