Romney challenges with five-point plan

Republican candidate for U.S. President Mitt Romney has been campaigning with a focus on his five-point plan. The goal of the plan is to create a stronger middle class with more jobs and more take-home pay.

Romney served as governor of Massachusetts for one term from 2003 to 2007 and he has been running for president almost nonstop since 2007. He lost the nomination to John McCain for the 2008 presidential election. He has a background as a businessman, spending most of his career in the private sector.

Romney argues that as an accomplished business executive, he has a better understanding of what seems to be the big issue in this election, the economy. According to elections.nytimes.com, Romney is trying to persuade voters that President Obama’s policies have not worked and said he believes that he should be elected to complete the nation’s economic recovery.

UW-River Falls Associate Professor of Political Science Neil Kraus said that when it comes to the issues they are all important, but some certainly stand out more than others.

“The economy is what seems to be most important to students who are trying to get a job or will be looking for a job very soon. That, and education, really seem to be the key issues in this election.”

Romney’s five-point plan is what Romney argues is necessary to turn the nation’s economy around. His official campaign website, mittromney.com, states that his plan, “will end the middle class squeeze of declining incomes and rising prices, bring back prosperity, and create 12 million jobs during his first term.”

The five points in his plan include: energy independence, the skills to succeed, trade that works for America, cutting the deficit and champion small business.

His plan would increase access to domestic energy resources and eliminate regulations destroying the coal industry. It would also streamline permitting exploration and development and approve the Keystone XL pipeline project.

Under the “trade that works for America” category, Romney states that he will curtail the unfair practices of countries like China, open new markets for American goods and services and build stronger economic ties in Latin America. He is a strong supporter of Reagan economics that would strengthen free enterprise around the world.

In order to cut deficit, Romney states that non-security discretionary spending must be reduced by 5 percent and a cap must be put on federal spending. States would have responsibility for programs that they can implement more effectively under this plan.

In order to champion small business, Romney will pursue a comprehensive tax reform that lowers tax rates for all Americans. He promises to protect workers and businesses from strong-arm labor union tactics.

The aspect of Romney’s plan that is perhaps very important for students in particular, however, is the skills to succeed portion. Romney and President Barack Obama agree that the economy and education are key issues in this election.

Romney’s plan promises to give all families access to a adequated schools and quality teachers. One of his goals is to provide more access to affordable higher education options. He wants to strengthen and simplify the financial aid system and encourage private sector participation instead of pushing it away.

UWRF student Andrea Strauch will not be voting for Romney in the upcoming election. “Romney says that he will create jobs, but all Republicans say that. I really don’t believe that his so called plan will really help the middle class or students, but rather the rich like him,” said Strauch.

On the social issues, Romney states that he supports the right of citizens to bear arms. He will defend the right of individuals to protect their families, homes and property. Romney is pro-life and states that he will end federal funding for abortion advocates like Planned Parenthood. If elected, Romney will also champion a Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

“I believe strongly that he (Romney) has a better vision for this country. I want a job when I get out of college and he is the one that can make that happen,” said UWRF student Luke Affolter.

For more information on Romney’s stance on issues or general background information on the candidate, visit www.mittromney.com.