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.

7. Michele Bachmann

Charlie Riedel/AP
Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann listens to a question during a campaign stop at Lodge Pizza & Steakhouse in Corydon, Iowa, Friday.

Taxes

Extend all Bush cuts, then reduce number of brackets; repeal estate tax; simplify corporate taxes and allow “repatriation” of overseas profits at a low 5 percent tax rate.

Deficits and budget

“Massively [cut] federal spending by eliminating government agencies” including the Education Department.

Jobs and growth

“Legalize” domestic energy production. Promote free trade. Like others, repeal regulations such as the Dodd-Frank financial reforms and Obama’s health-care reforms. Says employees deserve the “right to work.”

Social Security and safety net

Says promises to older Americans must be kept. Urges reforms to “wean” others off. Says young people “need to have some options ... so that ... they can have an ownership of their own Social Security.”

[Has withdrawn from the race]

7 of 7
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us