RUNNING ON A GOVERNING AGENDA:

Personal Retirement Accounts Could Boost GOP (David Freddoso, Jan 6, 2004, Human Events)

Although it was once referred to as the "third rail" of politics, the issue of converting Social Security to private accounts took on new life in 2000 when Bush dared to address it extensively, pointing out Social Security's impending fiscal crisis. After this widespread dissemination of the idea, public opinion polls began to show that most segments of the population—especially younger voters—favor private accounts. A late October Gallup poll showed that 62% of Americans support the conversion to personal retirement accounts.

In 2002, Republican candidates across the country reaped the benefits of Bush's bold stroke. Social Security reform became an issue in seven different Senate races won by Republicans—including tight contests in Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Colorado—as well as a handful of close House races (see "Election Gives Bush Mandate for Growth").

The best use of the issue may have been that of now-Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R.-N.C.). Derided by her opponent in a debate for supporting private accounts, Dole held up a blank piece of paper and told the televised audience that it represented her opponent's plan to save the ailing Social Security system.

Democrats have delayed needed reforms to Social Security for years by stirring fears among senior citizens about changes to the current system. In many past campaigns, they have even accused Republican opponents or Republicans in general of trying to take away senior citizens' retirement checks.

But 2004 may be an even better year to address the issue head-on in election campaigns. The Democrat presidential nominee-apparent, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, famously said in 1995 that he favored cutting Social Security benefits and raising the age at which payments begin.

"The way to balance the budget is for Congress to cut Social Security, move the retirement age to [from 68] to 70, cut defense, Medicare and veterans pensions, while the states cut almost everything else," Dean said at the time. "It would be tough but we could do it."

If you're going to win a historic mandate, may as well make sure it's one you can do something historic with.

Posted by Orrin Judd at January 6, 2004 4:44 PM