COMMENTARY | Herman Cain put the Republican National Committee on its heels with his 9-9-9 tax plan and his message of reforming the political machine in Washington. Now with Cain's announcement to suspend his Republican nomination bid, reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitutional, which candidate will benefit from his removal from the process?
Many political pundits are saying Newt Gingrich will benefit the most. Other supposed experts say Mitt Romney will become the clear leader in the polls. One question for Cain supporters should steer them clear of Romney and Gingrich: tax reform.
Cain's campaign became so popular based on two important factors: His ability to speak and motivate crowds, and his tax reform platform. Cain vows to keep tax reform top of mind through a new website name that will replace his presidential campaign website.
Now the key for Cain is his political clout. Will Republican presidential hopefuls be actively seeking his support? Will Cain's endorsement have a negative impact? Overnight Cain has become a political power instead of a fading presidential candidate. His impact on the next man or woman to sit in the Oval Office is real.
The candidate who wants Cain supporters will have to take an aggressive stance on tax reform. The tax reform platform of Cain garnered attention from Democrats and Republicans and even if a candidate does not adopt the 9-9-9 plan, a flat tax or dramatic across the board tax will attract Cain supporters.
Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry have discussed the fair tax, which is the across the board flat rate at a rate of 10 percent, but Gingrich and Romney have avoided the tax reform discussion while appeasing the Republican establishment.
The candidate who takes up tax reform in earnest will jump through the roof in the polls but will either Romney or Gingrich take that chance? The answer is no and this is why the Republican elite is no better than President Barack Obama. If tax reform dies with the Cain candidacy the U.S. will be bankrupt in the near future.
