GOP hopefuls showed up to South Carolina ready to talk about issues that are important to small businesses—but not before throwing a few jabs.
All gloves came off at CBS News’ Republican debate in South Carolina on Feb. 13.
The six presidential hopefuls did not hold back in belittling their opponents, “whether it was calling someone a liar, a liberal, a bully or a loser,” according to NBC News.
DON’T MISS A BEAT! There seems to be an endless stream of campaign events, but NFIB has the analysis to break down what it all means for small businesses.
“This is like a horrible Thanksgiving where the family decides finally they’re all going to say what they really think about each other,” said former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum on Twitter.
However, all the rowdiness eventually led way to candidates talking about many small business issues. Here are the biggest takeaways:
Cruz plans to help business through a flat-rate tax plan.
Ted Cruz called small business the “heart of the economy” and said his tax plan will keep this heart beating.
“If you look at cause and effect over our nation’s history, every time we lessen the burden of Washington on small business owners, on job creators, we see incredible economic growth. You do that through tax reform and regulatory reform,” Cruz said.
“My tax plan—typical family of four, first $36,000 you earn, you pay nothing in taxes—no income taxes, no payroll taxes, no nothing. Above 10 percent, everyone pays the same simple, flat 10 percent income rate. It’s flat and fair.”
Rubio defends his pro-family tax plan.
Marcio Rubio’s tax plan triples the Child Tax Credit through a 35 percent tax rate on top earners—a plan some conservatives say is a liberal ploy to insert social policy. However, the Florida senator says a child tax credit will strengthen the United States by supporting American families.
“Let me tell you, if you’re a parent that’s struggling, then you know that $50 a month is the difference between a new pair of shoes this month or not getting a new pair of shoes for your kids. I’m going to have a tax plan that is pro-family because the family is the most important institution in society. You cannot have a strong country without strong families,” the Florida senator said.
John Kasich: Less regulations means stronger business.
Small business will thrive when there is less regulation, according to the Ohio governor.
“You need common sense regulations so small business can flourish, you need lower taxes both on business and individuals, and you need a fiscal plan to be able to get ourselves in a situation where people can predict a little bit about the future when it comes to the fiscal issues,” Kasich said. “And when you have that formula, combined with a workforce that’s trained, you can explode the economy and create many jobs.”
But there is really only one story to watch in the GOP primaries, according to MSNBC: Can anyone stop Donald Trump?
Despite having his most venom-filled night, Trump is still on top of the polls. He holds 35 percent of the votes in South Carolina, while both Cruz and Rubio follow with 18 percent, according to a Public Policy Polling survey.
*Note: This news coverage does not equate to an endorsement of any candidate by NFIB.
