By Steve Welcenbach
A fundraising luncheon held by the Herman Cain for President campaign was held on Monday, November 14th at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Cost of attendance of $999 included a pre- reception with Herman Cain as well as the luncheon. Luncheon only attendance required a $500 donation.
Approximately seventy people attended the event which included two of Mr. Cain’s cousins that live in the area. Rob Kieckhefer, a well-connected and well- respected advocate of the Conservative Movement introduced Mr. Cain. Mr. Cain spoke for approximately 30 minutes about his qualifications for President, his vision for the country, and prioritized the problems the country faces along with his corresponding solutions for them.
After his talk he fielded two questions, one about his 9-9-9 plan and the attack that it will rapidly become 12-12-12 or something worse. He responded that politicians raise taxes, not tax codes, and politicians have plenty of avenues available for them to do this anytime they can get away with it. He believes the transparency and clarity of his tax plan along with the simplicity of understanding with the voting public will be the greatest defense against future manipulation.
The second questioner acknowledged the brilliance of the 9-9-9 plan but wanted to know what corresponding spending cuts
would accompany it. Mr. Cain outlined the calculation he and his economic advisers went through at arriving at the plan, how
the static calculation can be shown to be revenue neutral with the dynamic calculation including the economic stimulus provided by the plan showing much greater revenues generated. He finished by indicating that his spending cuts from his government downsizing
would come first as an across the board budget reduction then a systematic elimination of non-essential government functions and even whole agencies as evaluated on an individual basis. “There is plenty of fat to be cut out in lots of places. We won’t have any trouble finding those.”
Throughout the reception and following his talk, Mr. Cain personally engaged all attendees while signing many copies of his most recent book and other items people had brought with them.
Promptly at 1:30 PM the Cain entourage packed up and left for Green Bay where they would be hosting a fundraising tailgate party prior to the Monday Night Packer game against the Minnesota Vikings.