FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain is breathing down Mitt Romney's neck – and much of the attention he's getting is focused on his 9-9-9 tax plan.
Cain talks about this plan, and how it would stimulate economic growth, a lot.
Whether you agree or disagree with Cain's tax plan, there's no doubt it would simplify our complicated tax code.
The 9-9-9 plan would get rid of almost all of the current taxes and replace them with:
- A 9% flat federal individual income tax
- A 9% flat federal corporate tax
- And a new 9% national sales tax
Not everyone is sold. Far from it. Some economists along with other Republican presidential hopefuls have questioned the plan.
Critics say it would give the government a new revenue stream, the national sales tax, while not protecting families from paying more. Some insist it would raise taxes for the poor and middle class while cutting taxes for those at the top.
But Cain insists that while some people will pay more under his plan, "most people will pay less." He tells NBC that despite congressional opposition he thinks he could push through this plan as president.
Meanwhile it's worth pointing out that the 9-9-9 plan is just an early step in Cain's tax reform plans.
Ultimately he supports a "fair tax." This is a kind of national sales tax that would replace the current tax code and all the credits, deductions and exemptions.
So, for example, while mortgage deductions would disappear, the plan would still make overall taxes less for many homeowners.
And it seems people are intrigued. Cain has surged in the national polls. He's also statistically tied with Romney in the crucial early voting states of Iowa and South Carolina, and he's in second place in New Hampshire.
Here’s my question to you: Would Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax plan get you to vote for him?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Bill in Virginia:
I hope and pray I get the chance to vote for Herman Cain beyond the Republican primary. Like any plan, 9-9-9 would not survive as proposed so I am less concerned about the details. But he at least has a plan and it is, at a very high level, on the right track. Everyone should pay something, not like now where 47% of individuals pay nothing along with many profitable corporations.
Chuck in Florida:
No! In Florida, we already have a 6% sales tax. Cain's plan would have us paying 15% on food and clothing. It would severely impact many here who can barely make ends meet already.
Jim in California:
9-9-9 is deeply flawed. It does nothing to rein in federal spending, and not only does it give the federal government a new revenue stream in the form of a national sales tax, but you can be sure that a future Congress will make it 10-10-10, then 12-12-12, then...
Brad in Portland, Oregon:
Tax cuts for millionaires and corporations, and tax increases for the middle class and poor? What's not to like?! Sign me up!
Michael on Facebook:
I'm voting for him because of his personality, intelligence, executive experience, and sense of humor. The 9-9-9 plan is a start.
Henry:
Rome fell when it started to let its pizza vendors dictate tax policy. A little known historical fact.
S. in Florida:
It depends, Jack. If my 9 topping pizza isn't here in 9 minutes, do I still have to pay $9?