GOP candidates attack Cain 9-9-9 plan as exploitable, unlikely to pass

{mosads}”It expands the base, when you expand the base, you can arrive at the lowest possible rate,” Cain said.

But Bachmann argued that by opening up a national sales tax, Cain’s plan would allow the federal government to increase taxes over time on a new revenue stream.

“The last thing you would do is give Congress another option,” Bachmann said, saying that taxes from the Spanish American war were just repealed.

Rick Santorum echoed Bachmann’s criticism, asking those in the audience who would support a sales tax. Noting the lack of raised hands, he told Cain “that’s how many votes you’ll get in New Hampshire.

Rick Perry also criticized Cain, saying his plan had little chance of legislative success.

“‪I don’t need 9-9-9, we don’t need any plan that won’t pass Congress‬,” Perry said.

But Cain said that his out-of-the-box thinking was exactly the point.

“‪9-9-9 is bold and the American people want a bold solution‬,” Cain said.