Obama to press 'Buffett Rule' tax pitch

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is pressing his pitch for the so-called Buffett Rule.

The president is scheduled to deliver a morning statement on the rule named for billionaire investor Warren Buffett. It argues that wealthy taxpayers should not pay taxes at a lower rate than middle-class wage-earners.

The statement comes at a time when Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who opposes raising taxes on the wealthy, is a big step closer to claiming his party's nomination following the withdrawal of Rick Santorum from the race.

After a closed-door meeting Wednesday with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, the president will attend a campaign event in Washington.

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