Statement from AARP Director of Media Relations Mark Kitchens on the New Hampshire Primary

Source: AARP Press Center | January 8, 2008

January 8, 2008

Drew Nannis, AARP, 202-434-2560, anannis@aarp.org

WASHINGTON - "Nearly half of all voters in today's primaries in New Hampshire were 50-plus and the issues important to this age group continue to be important to all. Financial concerns proved a critical issue, with exit polling tonight by the Associated Press showing that 9 in 10 Democrats and half of Republicans were concerned about the economy.

"However, the record turnout by all ages shows the importance of these elections, that Americans are done with partisan bickering, and that they want solutions that are fair to all generations. It's not surprising that the candidates who were successful tonight are the candidates that addressed the issues head-on.

"Senator McCain began well over a year ago talking to AARP members - attending AARP events in New Hampshire and other primary states; listening to the issues that baby boomers are facing and from this, he saw results. Additionally, Senator Clinton has also worked to talk to our members, attending AARP events and talking about the issues that are on their minds. It's obvious that addressing financial security and health care not only bring generations together in a united effort to bring change to Washington, but that it can bring success in elections, too."