Democrats attack Hurt on Social Security

Nine Democrats with signs gathered Friday outside Republican Robert Hurt’s campaign office on Piney Forest Road to protest plans to privatize Social Security — but Hurt says he opposes those plans, too.

On the eve of the 75^th anniversary of the program, the Democratic Party of Virginia held the protest on the grounds that Hurt supported Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wisc.) budget proposals to privatize Social Security, according to a DPVA news release.

Included in the release was a link to a YouTube video of Hurt inside a fast food restaurant (dated July 22) in which the interviewer asks Hurt about his support of Ryan’s GOP budget plans.

Although most of the 35-second video is hard to understand, Hurt calls Ryan “one of the most innovative thinkers,” but never mentions Social Security.

However, Hurt told the Register & Bee in a June interview that “I am not in favor of privatizing Social Security. That is a promise that has been made, it has been earned, and it’s something that must be kept. End of story.”

In an interview on CNBC on Wednesday, Hurt again opposed cutting into Social Security, although he did voice some support of Ryan’s efforts to cut overall spending.

“I do not support (Ryan’s budget plan) as it’s introduced,” Hurt said on CNBC. “I think what it represents is a good step forward in trying to address these long-term problems.

“… I would not support cutting any benefits for Social Security at all. I think it is a crime that the money that has been set aside for Social Security over the years is totally gone, I think that it is reckless beyond words.”

Democrats at the protest Friday accused Hurt of flip-flopping on the issue because of what he has said in support of Ryan while also saying he is opposed to privatizing Social Security.

“We as seniors have paid into Social Security for many years,” Beatrice Hibbitt said. “We have worked too hard and come too far.”

At least three tea party members, some of who do support privatizing the program, held a counter-protest Friday defending Hurt.

“What piece of paper do you have to say he’s in favor of privatizing Social Security?” tea party member Elmer Woodard asked, exasperated.

On Thursday, Perriello’s congressional press secretary released a statement from Perriello, who vowed to protect Social Security and reject “risky schemes like privatization.”

“Social Security and Medicare represent a promise to our seniors that I’m proud to work to protect,” Perriello said in the statement. “… All workers should have the peace of mind that if they play by the rules and contribute to the system, their most basic needs will be met when they retire and they can age with a sense of dignity and security.”

In a statement following the demonstration Friday, Harrison reaffirmed Hurt’s comment to Social Security as well.

“Robert Hurt has stated from Day 1 of this campaign that he opposes any plan to privatize Social Security …” Harrison said. “No one has worked harder against the people of the 5^th District than Tom Perriello and now his campaign is relying on political games and tricks to save his career.”