Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on taxes, jobs, and other economic issues

With more than 13 million Americans out of work and wage increases so modest they’re failing to keep up with inflation, voters have put the economy and jobs at the top of their checklist of presidential issues.

3. Newt Gingrich

Jim Young/Reuters
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich attends a campaign stop at the Dubuque Golf and Country Club in Dubuque, Iowa, Tuesday.

Taxes

Extend Bush cuts. Offer alternative 15 percent flat tax with $12,000 exemption. Retain major deductions and earned-income tax credit. Repeal estate tax. Cut business rate to 12.5 percent.

Deficits and budget

“Modernize” government to save $500 billion a year, end Medicare and Medicaid fraud, and pass a balanced budget amendment and reform entitlements.

Jobs and growth

Slash regulation of businesses. Replace National Labor Relations Board. Pursue “all of the above” energy plan, from nuclear to oil shale. To promote work ethic, give janitorial jobs to students. Audit Fed; narrow its mandate to price stability (dropping a focus on full employment).

Social Security and safety net

Consider reforms including a taxpayer option of putting a portion of Social Security into personal accounts, require job training alongside extended jobless benefits. Faults federal backing of student loans for pushing up tuitions and student debt.

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