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Huckabee Plan Is Catnip to Tax-Phobes

But the 'fair tax,' a gift to the rich, perplexes nearly everyone

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 8, 2008 4:07 PM CST
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(Newser) – “Our tax system can’t be fixed with WD-40 and duct tape,” proclaims Mike Huckabee in promoting a more radical change—the 'fair tax,' which stirs taxpayer rebellion even while inciting economist ire, Politico reports. The plan, which would replace the IRS with a uniform 23% sales tax, is a somewhat perplexing choice for the affable populist, says Salon’s Brad Delong, since it's a massive penalty for the middle class and a gift to the rich.

DeLong credits the proposal with creating a more honest revenue stream than other GOPers’ plans, but quotes bipartisan estimates saying the rate would actually have to start at 30% and rise to 57%. Huck’s pitching on faith though, “counting on people not knowing what he is really promising.” And it's not really playing in New Hampshire—where they dislike the sales tax so much they don't have one.

Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks during a campaign stop at the Barley House restaurant on the last full day of campaigning before the nation's earliest presidential primary in Concord, N.H., Monday, Jan. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks during a campaign stop at the Barley House restaurant on the last full day of campaigning before the nation's earliest presidential...   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential hopeful and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee listens to a reporter as he talks about taxes in Houston on Wednesday, May 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
Republican presidential hopeful and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee listens to a reporter as he talks about taxes in Houston on Wednesday, May 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)   (Associated Press)
Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks during a presidential candidates forum sponsored by Iowans for Tax Relief and Iowa Christian Alliance, Saturday, June 30, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Republican presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks during a presidential candidates forum sponsored by Iowans for Tax Relief and Iowa Christian Alliance, Saturday, June 30, 2007,...   (Associated Press)
Republican Presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee answers a reporters questions outside a polling place in Manchester, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Republican Presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee answers a reporters questions outside a polling place in Manchester, N.H., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)   (Associated Press)
GOP presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee pets Jake as Mark Laflamme holds his dog at a polling place in Manchester, N.H. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
GOP presidential hopeful former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee pets "Jake" as Mark Laflamme holds his dog at a polling place in Manchester, N.H. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)   (Associated Press)
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More Fair Tax details
CNN

A less critical look at flat taxes
Christian Science Monitor

Fair Tax has no value except as a slogan for Huckabee
Wall Street Journal

 
IRS • Mike Huckabee • tax cuts • FairTax • tax hikes

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