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Huckabee Woos Voters With 23% Sales Tax

'Fair tax' would abolish IRS, and be a windfall for the rich

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 24, 2007 12:00 PM CST

(Newser) – Supporting a 23% sales tax ought to be political suicide, but Mike Huckabee is making it work, the Los Angeles Times reports. Huckabee has championed the so-called “fair tax,” a radical proposal that would abolish the federal income tax and tax spending instead. The plan favors the rich, but by tapping into America’s hatred for the IRS, it has helped vault Huckabee into the top tier of candidates.

Huckabee proposes to alleviate its effect on the poor with a monthly "prebate," but that would cost $600 billion, and the plan would still favor the rich. The math might be fuzzy, too. Independent analyses say 23% won’t be enough to fund the government—the figure might need to be closer to 50%. “It’s a crackpot plan,” said one conservative economist.

Republican presidential hopeful, Mike Huckabee, speaks to supporters, Saturday Dec 22, 2007 during a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, campaigns Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007 in West Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee campaigns Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, in Waterloo, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Associated Press)

Republican Presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, campaigns in Waterloo, Iowa in this Dec. 20, 2007 file photo. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) (Associated Press)

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Huckabee Woos Voters With 23% Sales Tax

'Fair tax' would abolish IRS, and be a windfall for the rich

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What If I Don't Feel Like Filing?

Christopher Beam explores the potential evader's options

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Candidates offer differing views on 'fair tax,' extending Bush cuts

Gingrich May Have Ducked Medicare Tax

He could owe tens of thousands, tax lawyers say

In 2011, IRS Audited 12% of Millionaires

Also of note: Tax day has changed

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Candidate's anti-government sentiment could have a long wick: Lemann

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Huckabee Woos Voters With 23% Sales Tax

'Fair tax' would abolish IRS, and be a windfall for the rich

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

taxes • IRS • Mike Huckabee • fair tax • sales tax • federal income tax • Election 2008

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

What If I Don't Feel Like Filing?

Christopher Beam explores the potential evader's options

Tax Issues Loom Over Campaign

Candidates offer differing views on 'fair tax,' extending Bush cuts

Gingrich May Have Ducked Medicare Tax

He could owe tens of thousands, tax lawyers say

In 2011, IRS Audited 12% of Millionaires

Also of note: Tax day has changed

The Danger of Ron Paul

Candidate's anti-government sentiment could have a long wick: Lemann

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?