Taxes
Would extend Bush income tax rates; reduce deductions and lower tax rates over time; exempt capital gains and dividends for households with incomes below $200,000, those “most hurt by the Obama economy.” Repeal estate tax; lower business rate to 25 percent; shift to “territorial” approach. (For Romney and other candidates, the summary here draws on an analysis of candidate plans by the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.)
Deficits and budget
Immediately cut nonsecurity discretionary spending by 5 percent. Pursue a balanced budget amendment.
Jobs and growth
Touts his private-sector business experience. Name China a currency manipulator and pursue its trade violations. Replace Ben Bernanke, but says Fed has a needed role. Freeze regulatory costs. Reverse pro-union Obama policies. Promote domestic energy.
Social Security and safety net
Keep Social Security sound. Reforms shouldn’t include tax hikes, but could raise eligibility age or change indexing of benefits to inflation for high-income retirees.
