Presidential Candidates Talk Economy, Jobs with S.C. Business Leaders

Three of the five presidential candidates spoke to a packed room of South Carolina business leaders about the economy and jobs on Tuesday afternoon.

The event, "Business Speaks," featured a candidate forum with Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum. It was sponsored by the S.C. Chamber of Commerce and the S.C. Business & Industry Political Education Committee.

The candidates focused on tax reform, energy and job creation. They also tied in local issues like the NLRB and Boeing, and the Port of Charleston.

Perry promised to get rid of the NLRB and to reduce the size of the federal government in general, repeating his phrase: "The federal government is at war with S.C." He also went into detail about his tax plan, which would give taxpayers the choice of a 20 percent flat tax rate. 

, Gingrich told business leaders he would find money to fund the deepening of the Charleston port and the construction of I-73 in Myrtle Beach.

To describe his tax plan, Gingrich said he would "pick up the Reagan cookbook" because during Reagan's presidency the nation saw an increase in jobs. 

Santorum, who runs on a strong families platform, talked about how his tax plan would support families by tripling the child tax deduction. 

All of the candidates said they would not allow subsidies or tax credits for the energy industry. They would level the playing field and let the market decide the best source of energy. 

But with only three days until the primary, some business leaders in the crowd were still undecided. 

Elliot Davis, owner of an accounting and consulting firm, said he hasn't made a decision about which candidate to support. 

"I thought they all made good points," Davis said. "There wasn't one standing out against the others." 

"We've got a couple more days. I think people will study this hard because of the importance this election will have." 

Ralph Faulling, president of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, said he hasn't chosen a candidate to support either. 

"I was most impressed with Gingrich," Faulling said. "And with his ideas to act fast and change the country." 

"He was certainly business-friendly to South Carolina business people," Faulling said. "And he supports our state's right to work."