Open-Field Politics

Thirty-five days ago, as the voting in the Iowa caucuses was about to begin, those of us in the political commentary business thought the candidates of both parties would have been determined by yesterday, the day after Super Tuesday. Not so.

John McCain is well ahead in the delegate count thanks to the Republican preference for winner-take-all contests -- and to his own good luck in narrowly winning rather than narrowly losing Missouri's 58 winner-take-all delegates. But he still faces determined challenges from rivals with claims on key party constituencies -- high earners (Mitt Romney) and evangelical Christians (Mike Huckabee).

why would high earners be for someone who is absolutely opposed to cutting the top marginal rate?

John McCain

Q: Do you favor a flat tax?

A: Sure, I’m for a flat tax. I’m for a tax system where average Americans can fill out their tax return on a postcard and send it in and not have the fear of an audit. But do you know why the tax code is 44,000 pages long? Do you know why it’s a nightmare, a chamber of horrors for average citizens and a cornucopia of good deals for the special interests? It’s because every time we pass a tax bill we add another special loophole and a special deal for the special interests.

Source: Republican Debate at Dartmouth College Oct 29, 1999

hmm so that is why Kemp and Forbes are for McCain

FORBES [to McCain]: Cutting the capital gains tax is key to a prosperous future. In New Hampshire you indicated support for a flat tax and I was wondering if you might put flesh on those bones and tell us what you have in mind for tax reform?

MCCAIN: I want to thank you for your efforts on behalf of a flat tax. I think we’ve got to eliminate the marriage penalty, the earnings test, raise the 15% tax bracket, put a level of $5 million on the inheritance tax. But this tax code is 44,000 pages long. It’s an abomination. It’s a cornucopia of good deals for the special interests and it’s a nightmare for American citizens. We’ve got to get rid of the special interest loopholes that are right in this tax code. That’s the first step in cleaning it up to reach your goal of a simplified tax system. I appreciate your efforts. But until the day arrives when we remove the influence of the special interests, we’re not going to be able to achieve your goal.
Source: (cross-ref. from Forbes) Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate Dec 7, 1999
-

I think McCain has a strategic plan to achieve that goal.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.