Social Security Referendum

November 13, 2002

Attacks on Social Security reform were undoubtedly key to Democratic hopes of retaking the House and strengthening their control over the Senate. Indeed, many Democratic leaders thought personal accounts would be the leading issue in 2002:

• Rep. Richard Gephardt: "The election is a referendum on Social Security." (AP, Sept. 18).



• Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair, Rep. Nita Lowey,: "This election, in my judgment, will be a referendum on Social Security." (MSNBC.com, Oct. 1).



• Howard Wolfson, DCCC Executive Director: "The stakes are high. This election will be a referendum on the future of Social Security." (Oct. 9, Investors Business Daily.)



• Jenny Backus, DCCC Communications Director: "There's no question that I think this election is a referendum on the future of Social Security." (Oct. 6, Orlando Sentinel)



• Hans Riemer, Campaign for America's Future: "This is the retirement security election." (Sept. 24 Cato Institute forum)

Personal account supporters obviously fared well in this election. While 2002 may not be a conclusion referendum in favor of personal accounts, clearly it is a referendum that a campaign based on often-hysterical attacks and the "do nothing" approach to Social Security reform will be unsuccessful.

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