Obama promises tax cut in Kaukauna visit

By Greg J. Borowski and Larry Sandler
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Democrat Barack Obama brought a populist, tax-cut message to this Fox Valley community today, in hopes it will resonate with economically strapped voters in this key region of the state and elsewhere around the country.

Speaking to a crowd of about 2,500 in the gymnasium at Kaukauna High School, Obama spent more than an hour answering questions and critiquing Republican rival John McCain, but mostly outlining his own plan for middle-class tax relief.

The visit was Obama's first to Wisconsin since the Feb. 19 primary, which he won handily over Hillary Rodham Clinton, and is part of a two-week tour through battleground states.

"In the last eight years we've failed to keep the fundamental promise (that) if you work hard, you can live your version of the American Dream," he said. "Instead, Americans are working harder for less."

Obama added: "The story of this [economic] downturn starts with Washington and Washington has to change."

Before taking a handful of questions from an enthusiastic — even adoring — audience, Obama spent considerable time outlining his plan aimed squarely at working-class Americans. It includes tax cuts for most, with increases for what he termed the “very wealthy.” It also includes a $500 tax credit for working families and eliminating taxes for senior citizens with minimal incomes.

“No matter what [John McCain] says, both of us favor tax cuts,” Obama said. “The difference is Sen. McCain wants to keep the Bush tax code that rewards wealth. I want to reform the tax code so it rewards work.”

Obama cited a new report from an outside group released this week that concluded a typical family would save three times more under his plan than under McCain’s economic plan.

“It is time for folks like me who make more than $250,000 to pay our fair share … If you are a family making less than $250,000, my plan will not raise your taxes. Period.”

Obama’s visit to Kaukauna was a make-up of sorts, since his pre-primary visit was canceled due to a snowstorm. Today’s visit came two weeks after McCain held a similar town hall meeting at Martin Luther High School in Greendale.

Click here for comments from Obama, live blogged during his presentation today.

GOP: No, it’s a tax increase: A Wisconsin Republican leader today labeled presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama as a tax-and-spend politician whose plans would be costly to average taxpayers.

In a conference call with reporters after Obama held a town hall meeting in Kaukauna, Wisconsin GOP Chairman Reince Priebus said, “Obama would be an absolute disaster for Wisconsin families and this country. Almost every single one of his plans comes with a high price tag,” financed by higher taxes.

Priebus said Obama would hit state residents and small business owners with higher income taxes, Social Security taxes and capital gains taxes. And the GOP leader said Democratic proposals for universal health care are “going to bankrupt this country” and lead to a recession.

By contrast, Priebus said presumptive Republican nominee John McCain “never voted for a tax increase in his life,” presenting what he called “stark and real” differences with Obama.