In an address to the Detroit Economic Club billed as a "major economic speech" by his office, Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) laid out his vision for restoring "American exceptionalism" and "a prescription for a fresh start for the American economy." One of the most notable proposals was a flat tax, which is likely to endear Pence to conservative activists for a possible 2012 presidential run.
"The time, has come for Congress and this administration to take bold action to simplify our tax system and lower people's taxes," said Pence in his prepared remarks, adding, "I believe it is time that America adopted a flat tax and scrapped the current system once and for all."
Pence's call for a flat tax isn't new; he has periodically brought up the issue over the years.
The idea is also a favorite of Tea Party activists. "We want to scrap our confusing, unfair tax code and replace it with a simple flat tax of one low rate with no deductions or special interest loopholes," notes FreedomWorks on its website, which has a whole page dedicated to the flat tax.