Rather than running a political campaign of “Not Obama,” Republican candidates need to run on positive messages that will resonate with voters. The Cato Institute’s Richard Rahn lays out a laundry list of sensible, specific policy suggestions Republican candidates could run on that would be a breath of fresh air to voters.
- Does America really need to be #32 in tax competitiveness among industrialized countries? The U.S., with the highest corporate-income tax in the world, is driving investment, innovation and jobs out of the country.
- Most voters would be behind candidates who demanded an end to the practice of asset forfeiture. Asset forfeiture is the hallmark of an out-of-control government. A keen example would be delivering a real punishment to the IRS for its continued misdeeds.
- Most Americans recognize that excessive regulation is a clear drag on economic growth and job creation. Candidates need to properly address the need to make it easier for individuals and companies to challenge regulations that do not meet a reasonable cost-benefit standard. Reimbursement for legal and associated costs would also resonate well.
- Because of contradictory regulations, government agencies have been able to extract huge, unjustified fines from companies, especially banks. Candidates need to propose ending this hypocrisy and double standard.
