Elections
Statement by AARP on Misleading Political Ads About Social Security
News Release
October 13, 2006
AARP Senior Managing Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, David Sloane, made the following statement today in response to misleading advertising being run by political interest groups about Social Security:
Every election cycle we see ads trying to scare voters about the future of Social Security. This season is no different. Unfortunately, some political interest groups have recently chosen to mischaracterize AARP’s Voter Guides in an effort to mislead voters. This is a disservice to all Americans.
When it comes to an issue as important to the American family as Social Security, partisan politics and misleading rhetoric should not enter the debate. We believe that candidates that agree with our position on the need for a bipartisan balanced solvency plan are doing the right thing. Our research shows that an overwhelming number of our members and the American public, including most candidates, agree.
As voters go to the polls on Election Day, they must consider whether candidates stand for a balanced solvency approach, or the status quo. Gridlock is not a viable solution. There are candidates on both sides of the political aisle who stand with AARP on the need for a balanced plan to continue the program’s guaranteed benefits, and who reject efforts to use Social Security taxes to fund private accounts.
For unedited responses to the AARP Voter Guides, visit www.dontvote.com.
AARP has a long history of non-partisanship and does not support or oppose candidates for office or political parties. Along with all political parties, candidates and incumbents during an election cycle, all political interest groups must cease using AARP’s Voter Guides in a misleading way.