McCain camp starts rolling out economic plan in Harrisburg

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.): Getty Images PhotoHARRISBURG -- The campaign for U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) gathered a group of business owners Monday afternoon in Harrisburg to begin what aides described as a major push to tout his economic proposals in the Keystone State.

The event, held down the street from the state's Capitol, emphasized that McCain's plan is friendly to small businesses, described as the life-blood of the American economy. Specifically, owners touted how McCain's plan would help their companies pay for health insurance via tax credits.

Those who spoke also dismissed the economic proposals for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, as unfair to successful businesses.

"Barack Obama wants to take money away," said Karen Deklinski, owner of the gift-store Perfectly Pennsylvania. "I don't believe I should worry because you work hard and invest well that the government is just going to come in and take it."

McCain spokesman Paul Lindsay said the presumptive nominee will push his economic plan during his Tuesday and Wednesday visits to western Pennsylvania, part a week-long effort across the country.

Part of McCain's plan includes balancing the federal budget, one key way he can separate his economic plan from President George Bush's, aides say.